Bishop Auckland on the map
Built-up area6.6 km² (2.5 sq mi)
Location in County DurhamBishop Auckland sits where the marker shows within the county.
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).
Local Data for Bishop Auckland
Dig deeper into the area around Bishop Auckland with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 8,746 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the DL14 postcode area.
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.
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.
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.
Crime in Bishop Auckland 420 crimes · May 2026
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.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 5 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
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%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Bishop Auckland.



