Bishop Auckland on the map

Bishop Auckland built-up area

Built-up area6.6 km² (2.5 sq mi)

Location in County DurhamBishop Auckland sits where the marker shows within the county.

50,500
Population
23,017
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£40,653
Avg. household income
1,857
Businesses
87
People per km²
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About Bishop Auckland

Bishop Auckland is a market town in County Durham, England, located within the DL14 postcode area. It lies on the River Wear, approximately 15 miles west of Darlington and 20 miles east of Durham city. The town has a long history, with its origins dating back to the medieval period when it was a significant ecclesiastical centre. The remains of Bishop Auckland Castle, a historic fortress and former residence of the Bishops of Durham, are a prominent feature of the town. The castle grounds include a museum and extensive parkland, offering a glimpse into the area’s past. The town centre has a mix of traditional and modern buildings, with a weekly market held in the market square. Bishop Auckland is also known for its connection to the railway, having been an important stop on the former East Coast Main Line. It serves as a local hub for education and healthcare in the surrounding area.

School Ratings in Bishop Auckland

Families in Bishop Auckland have access to 61 local schools. A further 15 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Bishop Auckland

Homes sell for an average of £146K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £82K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bishop Auckland

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Bishop Auckland, with 119 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Bishop Auckland

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Bishop Auckland within the more deprived parts of England. A higher proportion of working-age residents face employment challenges compared to the national picture. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Bishop Auckland

There are 14 GP surgeries within three miles of Bishop Auckland, the nearest being Auckland Park Hospital (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 8,746 sales

Average Price £146K
£500 , £37.02M
Detached £240K 1,714
Semi £133K 1,792
Terraced £82K 4,420
Flat £74K 220

Household Income in Bishop Auckland ONS 2023

The average total household income in Bishop Auckland is approximately £40,653 a year before tax, 26% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £32,834. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Bishop Auckland £40,653
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £32,834.

Businesses in Bishop Auckland ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,857 active businesses based in Bishop Auckland, around 37 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 23 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,857 Total businesses
37 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Bishop Auckland IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Bishop Auckland experiences higher levels of deprivation than much of England. Employment and income indicators fall below the national average, though the area benefits from targeted regeneration and community support programmes.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
4/10
Employment
3/10
Education
4/10
Health
2/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 24%
8,593 Children (0-15) 17%
30,015 Working Age 59%
11,883 Older (65+) 24%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 42.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 22.1% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Bishop Auckland 420 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Bishop Auckland are higher than the England and Wales average, with violence & sexual offences the most prevalent offence recorded. Urban density and footfall contribute to elevated reporting in areas like this. Ongoing investment in policing and community safety programmes aims to improve the picture.

Violence & Sexual Offences 136
Anti-Social Behaviour 119
Criminal Damage & Arson 49
Public Order 24
Shoplifting 21
Vehicle Crime 17
Other Crime 16
Other Theft 13
Burglary 10
Drugs 6
Weapons 3
Robbery 3
Bicycle Theft 2
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Durham Bishop Auckland (Town Central) Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 5 stations

Bishop Auckland Train Station 0.6 miles
Shildon Train Station 2.2 miles
Newton Aycliffe Train Station 4.4 miles
Heighington Train Station 4.5 miles
North Road (Darlington) Train Station 9.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District County Durham
Ward West Auckland
Constituency Bishop Auckland
Parish County Durham, unparished area
Region North East

Home Ownership in Bishop Auckland

Of the 23,351 households in and around Bishop Auckland, 64% are owned, 18% are socially rented and 18% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 64% Social rented 18% Private rented 18%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Bishop Auckland.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bishop Auckland

What is the population of Bishop Auckland?
Bishop Auckland has a population of approximately 50,500 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Bishop Auckland?
The average property in and around Bishop Auckland sold for about £146,008, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 58% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Bishop Auckland a deprived area?
Bishop Auckland sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 3 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Bishop Auckland?
Bishop Auckland is covered by the DL13, DL14 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Bishop Auckland?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Bishop Auckland, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Bishop Auckland?
The nearest railway station to Bishop Auckland is Bishop Auckland Train Station, about 0.6 miles away.