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 £143K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £79K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bishop Auckland

Crime in the area is broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Bishop Auckland, with 72 incidents recorded in January 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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Bishop Auckland

Bishop Auckland benefits from solid broadband infrastructure, including superfast and ultrafast services. Mobile reception across 4G and 5G is dependable in most locations. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 8,516 sales

Average Price £143K
£500 £37.02M
Detached £236K 1,637
Semi £134K 1,755
Terraced £79K 4,319
Flat £65K 190

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
9,578 Children (0-15) 17%
34,802 Working Age 61%
17,579 Older (60+) 31%
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 364 crimes · January 2026

Average Crime Area

Crime in Bishop Auckland is around the national average, with violence & sexual offences representing the most common offence type. These figures are characteristic of a town with an active centre and diverse population, and are neither unusually high nor particularly low.

141 Violence & Sexual Offences
72 Anti-Social Behaviour
34 Criminal Damage & Arson
25 Shoplifting
23 Public Order
17 Vehicle Crime
14 Burglary
13 Other Theft
9 Other Crime
7 Drugs
6 Weapons
2 Robbery
1 Theft from Person
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

Notable & Famous People from Bishop Auckland 8 people

Alan Meale
Politician
British politician (born 1949)
Arthur Ibbetson
Cinematographer
British cinematographer (1922-1997)
Charlie Spedding
Athletics competitor
British athlete
Charlie Wayman
Association football player
English footballer (1922-2006)
David Dowson
Association football player
English association football player (born 1988)
John James Jackson
Bobsledder
British bobsledder
Ross Turnbull
Association football coach
English footballer (born 1985)
Tony McMahon
Association football player
English footballer (born 1986)