Area Overview for Compton Bishop

Area Information

Compton Bishop sits at the western end of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, covering an area of 8.6 km². You find the village of Cross alongside the hamlets of Rackley and Webbington, all defined by a rural setting of farmland and hills. This small civil parish maintains a quiet, agricultural pace, driven by large farms that produce wool, milk, and vegetables. The community leans heavily into local history, with the parish church of St Andrew consecrated in 1236 standing as a Grade I listed landmark. Cross retains a legacy of coaching inns and roadside trade, though today it operates with fewer commercial buildings than in the past. Webbington features the town's only commercial establishment, the Webbington Hotel. The landscape includes fertile lower slopes for market gardens and upper hills suitable for grazing. You can walk along footpaths connecting Webbington to Crook Peak and Shute Shelve Hill, which are part of the West Mendip Way. Those considering living in Compton Bishop experience a lifestyle rooted in farming heritage and natural beauty, anchored by old buildings and surrounding countryside. The postcode BS26 2HU marks your entry into this historic location near Axbridge.

Area Type
Parish
Area Size
8.6 km²
Population
Not available
Population Density
Not available

Demographics

The community in Compton Bishop is dominated by older residents, with a median age of 70 years. Most people belong to the total age range recorded in the data, reflecting a settlement that has seen demographic shifts over time. You will find that 87% of households own their homes, indicating a strongly owner-occupied area rather than one driven by renters. This high ownership rate suggests stability and long-term settlement within the parish. The accommodation data reflects a total count of all dwelling types, while household composition records show the broad spread of occupancy. The area does not publish specific ethnicity or religion breakdowns in the available records, but the demographic profile remains clear in its age distribution. For those asking who lives here, the answer is a population skewed significantly toward the elderly. This age profile often correlates with lower turnover in the housing market and a community built around retirement or local farming families. When you look at quality of life through an ownership lens, the high percentage of residents owning their property means financial flexibility is common among locals.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

87
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

45
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
    Premium
  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
    Premium
  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    Premium
  • Protected Nature Reserve
    Premium
  • Protected Woodland
    Premium
  • Crime Risk
    Premium

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who primarily lives in Compton Bishop?
The population is elderly, with a median age of 70 years. Most residents are homeowners, accounting for 87% of all households. The community consists of older families and retired individuals rather than young professionals or large families.

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