Frome vs Gillingham (Dorset)
Which is better to live in? Distance: 13.4 miles apart.
The verdict
When it comes to cost of living, Gillingham (dorset) wins on house prices with a 10% gap. Gillingham (dorset) has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Frome edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Frome
£383,713
Gillingham (Dorset)
£349,487
Crime Rate
Frome
83.1
Gillingham (Dorset)
29.2
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Frome
70.0%
Gillingham (Dorset)
66.7%
Avg Download Speed
Frome
389.2
Gillingham (Dorset)
404.2
EPC Rating
Frome
68.6
Gillingham (Dorset)
68.3
Median Income
Frome
£28,887
Gillingham (Dorset)
£29,709
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in South WestProperty in Frome commands an average of £383,713, compared with £349,487 in Gillingham (dorset) – a difference of 10%. The most affordable entry point in Frome is a flat at £181,071, while in Gillingham (dorset) it is a flat at £144,339.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: terraced homes are 30% pricier in Frome (£325,355 vs £250,386).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Frome prices grew faster — 42% vs 31%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in South WestResidents of Gillingham (dorset) experience less crime overall, with a rate of 29.2 per 1,000 versus 83.1 per 1,000 in Frome. The most common crime category in Frome is violent-crime, while in Gillingham (dorset) it is violent-crime.
Crime Rate by Category (per 1,000 residents)
Both towns share the same top crime category: violent crime.
Schools & Education
Best for schools in South WestFamilies may prefer Frome, where 70% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 66.7% in Gillingham (dorset). There are 10 schools in Frome and 4 in Gillingham (dorset).
Frome School Inspection Breakdown
70% of 10 schools (7 primary, 3 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Gillingham (Dorset) School Inspection Breakdown
66.7% of 4 schools (3 primary, 1 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Frome | Gillingham (Dorset) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 10 | 4 |
| Primary | 7 | 3 |
| Secondary | 3 | 1 |
| % Top two bands | 70% | 66.7% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 404.2 Mbps in Gillingham (dorset) and 389.2 Mbps in Frome. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 82.6% of premises in Frome and 93.5% in Gillingham (dorset). Gigabit availability stands at 75.8% in Frome and 78.1% in Gillingham (dorset).
Gillingham (dorset) is the faster of the two by 4% on average download speed (404 vs 389 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Frome leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 68.6 (C), while Gillingham (dorset) averages 68.3 (C). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,350 in Frome and £1,375 in Gillingham (dorset). 58.3% of homes in Frome have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 56% in Gillingham (dorset).
Frome has more energy-efficient housing — 58.3% reach band C or above, vs 56% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £29,709 in Gillingham (dorset) and £28,887.4 in Frome. The median age is 47 in Frome and 51.1 in Gillingham (dorset). Owner-occupancy is 67.4% in Frome versus 70.4% in Gillingham (dorset). Employment rates stand at 57.5% in Frome and 52.1% in Gillingham (dorset).
| Indicator | Frome | Gillingham (Dorset) |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,904 | 11,009 |
| Median Age | 47 | 51.1 |
| Median Household Income | £28,887.4 | £29,709 |
| Employment Rate | 57.5% | 52.1% |
| Owner Occupied | 67.4% | 70.4% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 31.3% | 31.5% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
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Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Frome or Gillingham (dorset)?
Is Frome or Gillingham (dorset) safer?
Which has better schools, Frome or Gillingham (dorset)?
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