High Forge on the map

Location in County DurhamHigh Forge sits where the marker shows within the county.

39,516
Population
16,480
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£39,547
Avg. household income
793
Businesses
866
People per km²
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About High Forge

High Forge is located in County Durham, England, within the postcode area DH9. This area is primarily residential, offering a mix of housing options and local amenities. The surrounding landscape features a combination of green spaces and urban development, providing a practical environment for residents.

The village is well-connected by local transport links, making it easy to access nearby towns and cities. There are several parks and recreational areas in the vicinity, ideal for outdoor activities. High Forge also has essential services, including shops and schools, catering to the needs of the community. Overall, it serves as a convenient base for those looking to enjoy life in County Durham.

School Ratings in High Forge

High Forge is served by 104 schools. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in High Forge

Property prices average £112K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £74K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in High Forge

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in High Forge, with 60 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in High Forge

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, High Forge is among the more deprived areas nationally. The area sees higher levels of employment deprivation, with more residents excluded from the labour market. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in High Forge

There are 8 GP surgeries within three miles of High Forge, the nearest being Pelton & Fellrose Medical Group (2 miles away).

Property Prices 5,714 sales

Average Price £112K
£500 , £8.25M
Detached £214K 808
Semi £120K 1,214
Terraced £74K 3,377
Flat £60K 102

Household Income in High Forge ONS 2023

The average total household income in High Forge is approximately £39,547 a year before tax, 28% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £32,008. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

High Forge £39,547
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £32,008.

Businesses in High Forge ONS 2025

There are approximately 793 active businesses based in High Forge, around 20 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 12 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

793 Total businesses
20 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in High Forge IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation identifies High Forge as one of the more deprived areas nationally. Residents face greater challenges around employment and income, though ongoing investment in infrastructure and services is helping to address these issues over time.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
4/10
Employment
3/10
Education
4/10
Health
2/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 21%
7,174 Children (0-15) 18%
24,228 Working Age 61%
8,109 Older (65+) 21%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 42.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 24.6% 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 High Forge 368 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in High Forge 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.

Violence & Sexual Offences 141
Anti-Social Behaviour 60
Criminal Damage & Arson 50
Shoplifting 37
Vehicle Crime 22
Public Order 19
Other Theft 15
Burglary 8
Other Crime 8
Drugs 5
Bicycle Theft 1
Robbery 1
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Durham Chester-le-Street (Rural North) 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

Chester-Le-Street Train Station 3.6 miles
Dunston Train Station 4.6 miles
Metrocentre Train Station 4.9 miles
Heworth Train Station 5.9 miles
Blaydon Train Station 6.2 miles
Manors Train Station 6.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District County Durham
Ward Tanfield
Constituency North Durham
Parish Stanley
Region North East

Home Ownership in High Forge

Of the 18,292 households in and around High Forge, 58% are owned, 22% are socially rented and 20% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 58% Social rented 22% Private rented 20%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about High Forge

What is the population of High Forge?
High Forge has a population of approximately 39,516 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in High Forge?
The average property in and around High Forge sold for about £111,626, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 68% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is High Forge a deprived area?
High Forge sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 3 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover High Forge?
High Forge is covered by the DH9 postcode district.
How many schools are there in High Forge?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of High Forge, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to High Forge?
The nearest railway station to High Forge is Chester-Le-Street Train Station, about 3.6 miles away.