Darlington on the map

Darlington built-up area

Built-up area24.5 km² (9.5 sq mi)

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

112,046
Population
47,923
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£46,664
Avg. household income
3,557
Businesses
392
People per km²
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About Darlington

Darlington is a town located in County Durham, England, within the postcode area DL3. It serves as a significant railway junction and has a long-standing connection to the railway industry, which began in the 19th century. The town features a mix of modern amenities and historical architecture, including the impressive Darlington Railway Station, which is one of the oldest in the country.

The town centre offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, catering to both residents and visitors. Darlington is also home to several parks and green spaces, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. The nearby South Park is a popular spot for leisurely walks and family outings. With its blend of history and contemporary life, Darlington presents a practical base for exploring the surrounding areas of County Durham.

School Ratings in Darlington

Families in Darlington have access to 54 local 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 Darlington

Homes sell for an average of £195K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £114K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Darlington

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Darlington, with 258 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Darlington

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Darlington around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Darlington

There are 28 GP surgeries within three miles of Darlington, the nearest being We Are With You - Darlington (0.1 miles away).

Property Prices 17,861 sales

Average Price £195K
£100 , £41.37M
Detached £296K 3,770
Semi £165K 6,078
Terraced £114K 6,256
Flat £111K 1,093

Household Income in Darlington ONS 2023

The average total household income in Darlington is approximately £46,664 a year before tax, 16% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £36,177. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Darlington £46,664
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £36,177.

Businesses in Darlington ONS 2025

There are approximately 3,557 active businesses based in Darlington, around 32 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 73 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

3,557 Total businesses
32 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Darlington IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Darlington are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
6/10
Employment
5/10
Education
6/10
Health
4/10
Housing
9/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 21%
20,255 Children (0-15) 18%
68,523 Working Age 61%
23,280 Older (65+) 21%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 32.5% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 18.7% 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 Darlington 994 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Darlington 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 291
Anti-Social Behaviour 258
Shoplifting 104
Criminal Damage & Arson 78
Public Order 68
Vehicle Crime 50
Burglary 39
Other Crime 38
Other Theft 27
Drugs 16
Weapons 10
Bicycle Theft 6
Robbery 5
Theft from Person 4
Local Policing
Durham Darlington (Town Centre) 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 6 stations

North Road (Darlington) Train Station 0.8 miles
Dinsdale Train Station 3.9 miles
Teesside Airport Train Station 5.5 miles
Heighington Train Station 5.9 miles
Newton Aycliffe Train Station 6.4 miles
Shildon Train Station 7.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Darlington
Ward Park East
Constituency Darlington
Parish Darlington, unparished area
Region North East

Home Ownership in Darlington

Of the 50,864 households in and around Darlington, 63% are owned, 16% are socially rented and 21% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 63% Social rented 16% Private rented 21%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Darlington

What is the population of Darlington?
Darlington has a population of approximately 112,046 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Darlington?
The average property in and around Darlington sold for about £194,544, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 44% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Darlington a deprived area?
Darlington sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Darlington?
Darlington is covered by the DL1, DL2, DL3, DL98 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Darlington?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Darlington, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Darlington?
The nearest railway station to Darlington is North Road (Darlington) Train Station, about 0.8 miles away.