Crime and Safety in Poole, Dorset. Poole is the most dangerous major town in Dorset, and is the 23rd most dangerous overall out of Dorset's 250 towns, villages, and cities. The overall crime rate in Poole in 2025 was 54 crimes per 1,000 people.
The overall crime rate in Poole city is 75.2 crimes per 1,000. Most crimes, 3.8k crimes were violent crimes which is 33.2% of all crimes committed in the area. Violent crime rate is at 71% of national crime rate. Other crime was the fastest growing crime and it increased by 35.8% over the last twelve months.
It's a nice safe town, that's generally got quite happy and friendly people living there. The weather is good (for the UK), and you're right on the coast and the edge of the new forest. As a place to raise a family, you're giving them a lot of opportunities that they wouldn't get in a lot of other places.
The most deprived areas of the Poole Central locality are Hamworthy West (Turlin Moor) and Poole Town. Here, three lower super output areas (LSOAs) are amongst the 20% most deprived in England. A further four LSOAs are amongst the 40% most deprived.
Comparing Dorset's larger towns and cities, and using Crime Risk Scores - which are calculated by taking severity of each crime type into account - Weymouth is the most dangerous. The next most dangerous is Poole, and Bournemouth comes in as third most dangerous.
Poole Lifeboat searching in rough sea conditions around Boscombe Pier in Dorset
Where are the most deprived areas in Dorset?
152 upper tier Local Authorities • Fortuneswell North in Weymouth & Portland is now the most deprived area in Dorset • Somerford West in Christchurch returns to the top 20% most deprived • Bridport Skilling in West Dorset and Melcombe Regis Lodmoor Hill in Weymouth & Portland drop out of the 20% most deprived.
Boscombe West has high long standing levels of deprivation. The latest census showed that things were getting worse and the gap between the most deprived part of Bournemouth and its surrounding areas was widening, with the heart of the ward - Boscombe Central – shown as one of the most deprived areas in the South West.
Between the last two censuses, the average (median) age of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole increased by one year, from 41 to 42 years of age. This area had a lower average (median) age than the South West as a whole in 2021 (44 years) but a higher average (median) age than England (40 years).
Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset, has been identified as the most expensive seaside area to buy a home, out of more than 200 coastal locations across Britain. With an average price tag of nearly £1.6 million, homes in Sandbanks were found to be the most expensive typically in Rightmove's analysis.
The population of Weymouth civil parish at the 2021 census was 53,416, making it the largest settlement in rural Dorset and third largest overall, after Bournemouth and Poole.
Why Poole is a good place to live. Living in Poole is a bit like being on a full-time holiday. This charming coastal town is known for its natural beauty, offering an outdoors lifestyle that's hard to resist. Poole is host to some of the UK's most beautiful beaches, all just three miles from the main town.
Poole is home to Europe's largest natural harbour, with must visit highlights including a historic quayside, a quaint old town, glorious parks and gardens and beautiful beaches including the world famous, Sandbanks beach.
Outside on Poole's pedestrianised High Street you'll find a mix of well-known brands and independent shops. The High Street stretches all the way from the Dolphin Centre to Poole Old Town and the Quay, and it will take approx.
Poole is the most dangerous major town in Dorset, and is the 23rd most dangerous overall out of Dorset's 250 towns, villages, and cities. The overall crime rate in Poole in 2025 was 54 crimes per 1,000 people.
The district is overwhelmingly populated by people of a White ethnic background, 95.98% of residents are of White British ethnicity, well above the rest of England at 86.99%.
The change in the demographic of the town is clear. Between the 2011 and 2021 censuses, the non-British-born population in Bournemouth's local authority went up by 47%, and UK net migration has continued to rise significantly since then.
1. Lyme Regis – Iconic Charm on the Jurassic Coast. Lyme Regis offers stunning coastal views, fossil-filled beaches, and a thriving artistic community — a timeless gem on the Jurassic Coast. Famous for its fossil-rich beaches and picturesque harbour, Lyme Regis is steeped in history yet full of life.
Sandbanks has always attracted celebrities, famous faces and successful business people. With it's Miami-like peninsula, multi-million pound property, yacht clubs and world famous beaches. The exclusive holiday resort of Sandbanks in Dorset, England, is home to many celebrities and famous faces.
Why Swanage is a good place to live. Small enough to retain its friendly atmosphere yet bustling with life, Swanage offers quintessential British seaside living. The coastal town is known for its quaint housing and charming independent shops.
