Blackwell on the map
Location in County DurhamBlackwell sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Blackwell
Blackwell is a small settlement located in County Durham, in the north of England. It lies within the DL3 postcode area and is situated in a rural part of the county, surrounded by open countryside. The area is characterised by its agricultural landscape, with fields and farmland forming the predominant scenery. While not a large community, Blackwell has a quiet, peaceful atmosphere typical of the region. The village is close to the River Wear and benefits from its proximity to the North Pennines, offering access to walking and outdoor pursuits. The local infrastructure is modest, with basic amenities available nearby. Blackwell reflects the traditional rural character of County Durham, with a mix of older and more modern housing. Its location makes it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area, including nearby towns and villages.
School Ratings in Blackwell
Blackwell is served by 53 schools. George Dent Nursery School and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 15 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Blackwell
Property prices average £185K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £110K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Blackwell
Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Blackwell, with 251 incidents logged in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Blackwell
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Blackwell falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.
Healthcare in Blackwell
There are 27 GP surgeries within three miles of Blackwell, the nearest being We Are With You - Darlington (1.3 miles away).
Local Data for Blackwell
Dig deeper into the area around Blackwell with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 7,062 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the DL3 postcode area.
Household Income in Blackwell ONS 2023
The average total household income in Blackwell is approximately £47,404 a year before tax, 14% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £36,552. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £36,552.
Businesses in Blackwell ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,098 active businesses based in Blackwell, around 27 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 14 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Blackwell IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Blackwell in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.
Crime in Blackwell 967 crimes · May 2026
Reported crime in Blackwell is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Blackwell
Of the 18,693 households in and around Blackwell, 67% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 21% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Blackwell.



