North Close is in Gillingham and in North Dorset district. SP8 4LA is located in the Gillingham electoral ward, within the English Parliamentary constituency of North Dorset. This postcode has been in use since 1980-01-01.
StreetScan combines information about North Close, Gillingham, SP8 4LA and displays a report on the quality of life in this place and its surroundings.
Nearby postcodes are: SP8 4JZ, SP8 4LB, SP8 4LS, SP8 4ED, SP8 4LN, SP8 4WE, SP8 4LD, SP8 4LF, SP8 4LJ.
In the UK, the overall gender distribution is approximately 49% male and 51% female. However, the area surrounding SP8 4LA, has a female population slightly higher than UK average, with 54.1% of residents being female. Several factors can contribute to this. Women generally live longer than men, resulting in a higher proportion of women in neighborhoods with significant elderly populations. Typically, as people grow older, they tend to relocate from city center addresses to suburban areas, smaller towns, and rural locations. Consequently, these areas often have a higher number of females. A higher female population can also be found in areas with industries that employ more women, such as healthcare, education, and retail.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 51.7% | 54.1% | 2.4% | 51.0% | 3.1% |
| Male | 48.3% | 45.9% | -2.4% | 49.0% | -3.1% |
Across the UK, the average relationship status breakdown is roughly 44% married, 38% single, 9% divorced, 6% widowed, and 2% separated.
In the immediate vicinity of SP8 4LA there is a very large concentration of residents that are married - 52.2% of the resident population. In contrast, the average marriage rate across the census is about 44%.
Areas with a high percentage of married residents are typically suburban neighborhoods, towns with good schools and family-friendly amenities, and regions with affordable, spacious housing options. Additionally, such areas can be popular among retirees.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 16.7% | 22.4% | 5.7% | 37.9% | -15.5% |
| Married: Opposite sex | 61.2% | 52.2% | -9.0% | 44.2% | 8.0% |
| Separated | 2.4% | 2% | -0.4% | 2.2% | -0.2% |
| Divorced | 6.7% | 9% | 2.3% | 9.1% | -0.1% |
| Widowed | 12.9% | 14.4% | 1.5% | 6.1% | 8.3% |
Across the UK, the average 48.4% rated their health as Very Good, 33.6% as Good, 12.7% as Fair, 4% as Bad, and 1.2% as Very Bad.
Population age significantly impacts residents' health. Additionally, socioeconomic status plays a crucial role: higher income levels and lower poverty rates are linked to better health outcomes. Affluent areas benefit from higher living standards, access to private healthcare, and healthier lifestyle choices.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very good health | 39.2% | 37.6% | -1.6% | 48.4% | -10.8% |
| Good health | 41.4% | 44.5% | 3.1% | 33.6% | 10.9% |
| Fair health | 13.4% | 14.8% | 1.4% | 12.7% | 2.1% |
| Bad health | 4.3% | 2.6% | -1.7% | 4.0% | -1.4% |
| Very bad health | 1.7% | 0.4% | -1.3% | 1.2% | -0.8% |
During the 2021 census, the educational qualifications of residents across the UK were as follows: 18.2% had no qualifications, 9.6% had 1-4 GCSEs, 13.4% had 5 or more GCSEs and 1-2 A/AS Levels, 16.9% had 2 or more A Levels, 33.8% held a degree (or equivalent), and 5.4% had completed an apprenticeship.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No qualifications | 21.5% | 20.7% | -0.8% | 18.2% | 2.5% |
| 1-4 GCSEs or Equivalent | 12% | 10.8% | -1.2% | 9.6% | 1.2% |
| 5 or more GCSEs, an A-Level or 1-2 AS Levels | 13.9% | 12.8% | -1.1% | 13.4% | -0.6% |
| Apprenticeship | 5.3% | 7.4% | 2.1% | 5.3% | 2.1% |
| HNC, HND or 2+ A Levels | 14.4% | 17.7% | 3.3% | 16.9% | 0.8% |
| Degree or Similar | 24.9% | 30.5% | 5.6% | 33.8% | -3.3% |
| Other | 8.1% | 0% | -8.1% | 2.8% | -2.8% |
In this area, the population is predominantly white, with 96.9% identifying as such, significantly higher than the UK average of 81.4%. This indicates a lower level of ethnic diversity compared to the broader UK population.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian | 0.4% | 2.2% | 1.8% | 3.1% | -0.9% |
| Mixed White and Caribbean | 0.4% | 0% | -0.4% | 0.9% | -0.9% |
| Mixed Other | 0% | 0.9% | 0.9% | 0.8% | 0.1% |
| White | 99.1% | 96.9% | -2.2% | 81.4% | 15.5% |
In this area, 89.5% of the population were born in the United Kingdom, which is similar to the UK average of 83.2%.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 93.1% | 89.5% | -3.6% | 83.2% | 6.3% |
| European Union | 3.4% | 4.8% | 1.4% | 6.1% | -1.3% |
| Rest of Europe | 0.4% | 1.3% | 0.9% | 0.8% | 0.5% |
| Africa | 1.3% | 1.7% | 0.4% | 2.7% | -1.0% |
| Middle East and Asia | 0.4% | 2.2% | 1.8% | 5.6% | -3.4% |
| The Americas and the Caribbean | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 1.3% | -0.9% |
| British Overseas | 1.3% | 0% | -1.3% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the UK | 91.4% | 89.9% | -1.5% | 83.2% | 6.7% |
| 10+ Years | 0% | 8.8% | 8.8% | 9.8% | -1.0% |
| 5-10 Years | 0% | 0.9% | 0.9% | 2.9% | -2.0% |
| 2-5 Years | 3.9% | 0% | -3.9% | 2.2% | -2.2% |
| Less than 2 years | 4.7% | 0.4% | -4.3% | 1.9% | -1.5% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 85.2% | 76.7% | 8.5% |
| Germany | 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.2% |
| Poland | 0.9% | 1.3% | -0.4% |
| Other EU countries | 2.2% | 1.5% | 0.7% |
| Southern Asia | 0.4% | 1.2% | -0.8% |
| No passport held | 10.9% | 13.5% | -2.6% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No religion | 33.9% | 37.2% | -3.3% |
| Christian | 59.1% | 46.2% | 12.9% |
| Other religion | 0.9% | 0.6% | 0.3% |
| Not answered | 6.1% | 6.0% | 0.1% |
Over the last 12 months, the overall crime rate around North Close was 17.0 per 1,000 residents, which is 61.8% lower than the Beacon average. The most reported crime type was Violence and sexual offences.
North Close has the 31st lowest crime rate of 112 local areas in Beacon and the 252nd lowest crime rate of 1,293 local areas in Dorset .
Violent and sexual offences accounted for around 12.8 crimes per 1,000 residents and have been falling year on year. Over the last decade, overall crime has fallen by about -38.6%.

Households in this area have a higher level of wealth to the average household in England and Wales. 70% of analyzed areas in England and Wales have lower average household annual income than this area.

| Address | Sale Price | Sale Date | Price Estimate 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 North Close, Gillingham, Dorset Semi-Detached, an established residential building | £290,000 | 2021-09-14 | £334,337 |
| 1 North Close, Gillingham, Dorset Semi-Detached, an established residential building | £265,000 | 2018-10-05 | £338,058 |
| 2 North Close, Gillingham, Dorset Semi-Detached, an established residential building | £172,500 | 2008-05-01 | £275,243 |
SP8 4LA area has a low unemployment rate. According to Census 2021, 0% residents of this area were unemployed, while the average in the UK was 4.83%. A low level of unemployment in an area indicates a strong job market, where most people who are seeking work can find employment. This generally reflects a healthy economy in the area.
The percentage of retired residents living in SP8 4LA area is much higher than the country's average. According to Census 2011, 37% residents of this area were retired, while the average in the UK was 14%.
| Retired | 75 |
| Full-Time Employee | 67 |
| Self-Employed | 23 |
| Part-Time Employee | 15 |
| Student (economically inactive) | 7 |
| Other | 6 |
| Looking after home or family | 4 |
| Long-Term Sick or disabled | 3 |
| Full-Time Student (with or without job) | 2 |
| Unemployed | 1 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
| Human health and social work activities | 16 |
| Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles | 14 |
| Other | 10 |
| Construction | 10 |
| Education | 9 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities | 8 |
| Public administration and defence; compulsory social security | 8 |
| Transport and storage | 7 |
| Administrative and support service activities | 6 |
| Financial and insurance activities | 3 |
| Information and communication | 3 |
| Accommodation and food service activities | 2 |
| Real estate activities | 1 |
| Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply | 1 |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 1 |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Mary the Virgin Church of England Primary School Pheasant Way , Shaftesbury Road SP8 4LP | 3out of 4 | 709 yd | Academy converter | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Gillingham Primary School School Road , SP8 4QR | 2out of 4 | 754 yd | Community school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Wyke Primary School Deane Avenue , SP8 4SH | 2out of 4 | 1,772 yd | Community school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Milton-on-Stour Church of England Primary School Milton-on-Stour , SP8 5QD | 3out of 4 | 3,190 yd | Voluntary aided school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Motcombe CofE Primary School Church Road , Motcombe SP7 9NT | 3out of 4 | 3,718 yd | Academy converter | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gillingham School Hardings Lane , SP8 4QP | 3out of 4 | 521 yd | Voluntary controlled school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Regis Preparatory School Motcombe Park , SP7 9QA | - not rated | 4,164 yd | Other independent school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
School statistics for this postcode are based on Ofsted rankings.
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cafe | Riversmeet Hardings Lane | 506 yd | |
| Space Inflators | Legends, 22 Brickfields Business Park | 653 yd | |
| Daycation | The Old Library Station Road | 717 yd | |
| The Cure Coffee Works Ltd | 2 Station Road | 742 yd | |
| Costa Coffee | 2 High Street | 768 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gillingham Town Football & Supporters Club | Football And Supporters Club Hardings Lane | 506 yd | |
| Gillingham Bowling Club | Gillingham Bowling Club School Lane | 773 yd | |
| Royal British Legion | The Royal British Legion School Lane | 773 yd | |
| Coronation Club | Coronation Club Buckingham Road | 795 yd | |
| Red Lion | Red Lion Hotel High Street | 910 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gillingham Town FC | Gillingham Town Football Club | 519 yd | |
| Seafood Fish & Chips | 1 Station Road | 717 yd | |
| Greggs | Gillingham Service Station Kingsmead Business Park | 763 yd | |
| Gillingham Chinese takeaway/ Geo Sheng LTD | Gillingham Chinese Takeaway High Street | 768 yd | |
| Chan's Chinese Take-away | 3 High Street | 910 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asda | Asda Store Station Road | 685 yd | |
| Iceland | Unit 1, The Harwood Retail Centre Station Road | 717 yd | |
| Lidl UK GMBH | Lidl School Lane | 773 yd | |
| Aldi Stores Limited | Aldi Stores Ltd Kingsmead Business Park | 876 yd | |
| Waitrose Ltd | Waitrose Chantry Fields | 925 yd |
| Facility Name | Sport Objects | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Gillingham Town Football Ground Hardings Lane | grass pitches | 467 yd |
| Gillingham Leisure Centre (Closed) Hardings Lane | health and fitness suite, squash courts, swimming pool | 523 yd |
| The Riversmeet Centre Hardings Lane | health and fitness suite, swimming pool | 529 yd |
| Fitness By Design Ltd AIR HOUSE AIR HOUSE OLD MARKET CENTRE | health and fitness suite | 591 yd |
| Gillingham School HARDINGS LANE | artificial grass pitch, grass pitches | 624 yd |
| Woodwater Lane Hardings Lane | grass pitches | 837 yd |
This statistics are based on Active Places Data - Contains Data © Sport England
| Percentage of premises that have Superfast Broadband (30Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have Ultrafast Broadband (100Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have Ultrafast Broadband (300Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have coverage from a Gigabit capable service from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 2Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 5Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 10Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 30Mbit/s | 0.0% |
Broadband statistics are based on Ofcom's Communications Market Report (CMR) 2022.