Butterknowle on the map

Location in County DurhamButterknowle sits where the marker shows within the county.

13,706
Population
6,331
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£41,990
Avg. household income
728
Businesses
30
People per km²
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About Butterknowle

Butterknowle is a small settlement located in County Durham, within the north of England. It lies within the DL13 postcode area, situated near the border with North Yorkshire. The area is characterised by its rural setting, with open countryside and scattered dwellings. The village is part of the broader Teesdale region, known for its rolling hills and agricultural land. While not a large community, Butterknowle offers a peaceful environment with access to walking trails and local amenities. The surrounding landscape provides views of the North Pennines, and the village is within easy reach of larger towns such as Barnard Castle and Darlington. Its location makes it a convenient base for exploring the natural beauty of County Durham.

School Ratings in Butterknowle

There are 14 schools in and around Butterknowle. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Butterknowle

The average property price is £202K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £123K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Butterknowle

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Butterknowle, with 1 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Butterknowle

Butterknowle sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Butterknowle

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Butterknowle, the nearest being Pinfold Medical Practice (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 1,909 sales

Average Price £202K
£2K , £12.85M
Detached £294K 423
Semi £160K 327
Terraced £123K 920
Flat £146K 32

Household Income in Butterknowle ONS 2023

The average total household income in Butterknowle is approximately £41,990 a year before tax, 24% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,088. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Butterknowle £41,990
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,088.

Businesses in Butterknowle ONS 2025

There are approximately 728 active businesses based in Butterknowle, around 53 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 94% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 3 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

728 Total businesses
53 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 94%
Small, 10-49 5%
Medium, 50-249 0%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Butterknowle IMD 2025

Butterknowle sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
5/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
4/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
2/10
Children 0-15 14%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 29%
1,959 Children (0-15) 14%
7,871 Working Age 57%
3,867 Older (65+) 28%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 31.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 16.7% 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 Butterknowle 2 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Butterknowle records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Anti-social behaviour is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled small town with a strong sense of community.

Anti-Social Behaviour 1
Public Order 1
Local Policing
Durham Barnard Castle (Staindrop) 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 4 stations

Bishop Auckland Train Station 6.9 miles
Shildon Train Station 7.9 miles
Heighington Train Station 9.5 miles
Newton Aycliffe Train Station 9.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District County Durham
Ward Weardale
Constituency North West Durham
Parish Stanhope
Region North East

Home Ownership in Butterknowle

Of the 6,447 households in and around Butterknowle, 70% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 70% Social rented 14% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Butterknowle

What is the population of Butterknowle?
Butterknowle has a population of approximately 13,706 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Butterknowle?
The average property in and around Butterknowle sold for about £202,149, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 42% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Butterknowle a deprived area?
Butterknowle sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Butterknowle?
Butterknowle is covered by the DL13 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Butterknowle?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Butterknowle, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Butterknowle?
The nearest railway station to Butterknowle is Bishop Auckland Train Station, about 6.9 miles away.