Houghton-le-Side on the map

Location in County DurhamHoughton-le-Side sits where the marker shows within the county.

19,631
Population
7,328
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£54,094
Avg. household income
925
Businesses
88
People per km²
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About Houghton-le-Side

Houghton-le-Side is a small village located in County Durham, England, within the DL2 postcode area. The village is primarily residential, featuring a mix of traditional and modern housing. It is surrounded by the natural landscape of the North East, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking and cycling.

Local amenities include a few shops and a primary school, catering to the needs of the community. The village is well-connected by road, making it accessible for those wishing to explore nearby towns and attractions. Houghton-le-Side offers a quiet environment, ideal for families and individuals seeking a peaceful place to live or visit.

School Ratings in Houghton-le-Side

Families in Houghton-le-Side have access to 54 local schools. Pear Tree School and Hurworth House School Aspris Children's services are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Houghton-le-Side

Homes sell for an average of £280K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £320K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Houghton-le-Side

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Houghton-le-Side, with 128 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Houghton-le-Side

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Houghton-le-Side 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.

Property Prices 3,958 sales

Average Price £280K
£100 , £24.19M
Detached £320K 1,784
Semi £206K 1,017
Terraced £177K 839
Flat £126K 160

Household Income in Houghton-le-Side ONS 2023

The average total household income in Houghton-le-Side is approximately £54,094 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,144. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Houghton-le-Side £54,094
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,144.

Businesses in Houghton-le-Side ONS 2025

There are approximately 925 active businesses based in Houghton-le-Side, around 47 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% 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.

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

Deprivation and Employment in Houghton-le-Side IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Houghton-le-Side 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
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
6/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 23%
3,457 Children (0-15) 18%
11,614 Working Age 59%
4,563 Older (65+) 23%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 22.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 15.3% 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 Houghton-le-Side 525 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Houghton-le-Side 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 154
Anti-Social Behaviour 128
Shoplifting 60
Criminal Damage & Arson 47
Public Order 37
Other Theft 23
Burglary 19
Vehicle Crime 18
Drugs 10
Other Crime 10
Bicycle Theft 7
Weapons 6
Robbery 5
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Durham Darlington (West Villages) 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

Heighington Train Station 2.4 miles
Shildon Train Station 2.9 miles
Newton Aycliffe Train Station 3.1 miles
Bishop Auckland Train Station 5 miles
North Road (Darlington) Train Station 5.4 miles
Dinsdale Train Station 9.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Darlington
County North Yorkshire
Ward Sadberge & Middleton St. George
Constituency Sedgefield
Parish Middleton St George
Region North East

Home Ownership in Houghton-le-Side

Of the 8,433 households in and around Houghton-le-Side, 76% are owned, 8% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 76% Social rented 8% Private rented 17%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Houghton-le-Side.

Frequently Asked Questions about Houghton-le-Side

What is the population of Houghton-le-Side?
Houghton-le-Side has a population of approximately 19,631 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Houghton-le-Side?
The average property in and around Houghton-le-Side sold for about £279,535, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 20% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Houghton-le-Side a deprived area?
Houghton-le-Side sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Houghton-le-Side?
Houghton-le-Side is covered by the DL2 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Houghton-le-Side?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Houghton-le-Side, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Houghton-le-Side?
The nearest railway station to Houghton-le-Side is Heighington Train Station, about 2.4 miles away.