Kirk Merrington on the map

Kirk Merrington built-up area

Built-up area0.3 km² (0.1 sq mi)

Location in County DurhamKirk Merrington sits where the marker shows within the county.

22,435
Population
8,845
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
70
Schools nearby
£42,389
Avg. household income
513
Businesses
709
People per km²

About Kirk Merrington

Kirk Merrington is a small village located in County Durham, England, within the DL16 postcode area. The village is primarily residential, featuring a mix of traditional and modern homes. It is surrounded by the picturesque countryside typical of the region, providing a peaceful environment for its residents. The local community is tight-knit, with a few amenities catering to everyday needs.

Nearby, the village is conveniently situated for access to larger towns such as Spennymoor and Bishop Auckland, which offer a wider range of shops, services, and recreational facilities. The area is well-connected by road, making it easy to explore the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions. Kirk Merrington serves as a quiet retreat for those looking to escape the busier urban areas while still being within reach of essential amenities.

School Ratings in Kirk Merrington

Kirk Merrington is served by 70 schools. Kirk Merrington Primary School and The Oaks Secondary School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Kirk Merrington

Property prices average £169K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £86K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Kirk Merrington

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Kirk Merrington, with 43 incidents logged in July 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Kirk Merrington

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Kirk Merrington 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 Kirk Merrington

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Kirk Merrington, the nearest being St Andrew's Medical Practice (1.5 miles away).

Property Prices 4,128 sales

Average Price £169K
£500 , £93.4M
Detached £222K 1,085
Semi £124K 1,270
Terraced £86K 1,554
Flat £67K 77

Household Income in Kirk Merrington ONS 2023

The average total household income in Kirk Merrington is approximately £42,389 a year before tax, 23% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,830. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Kirk Merrington £42,389
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,830.

Businesses in Kirk Merrington ONS 2025

There are approximately 513 active businesses based in Kirk Merrington, around 23 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 13 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

513 Total businesses
23 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 3%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Kirk Merrington IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Kirk Merrington 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.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
5/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
3/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 20%
3,963 Children (0-15) 18%
13,832 Working Age 62%
4,633 Older (65+) 21%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 38.5% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 22.5% 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 Kirk Merrington 291 crimes · July 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Kirk Merrington 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 122
Anti-Social Behaviour 43
Criminal Damage & Arson 28
Public Order 23
Other Theft 17
Shoplifting 15
Drugs 14
Burglary 12
Vehicle Crime 7
Weapons 6
Robbery 2
Other Crime 2
Local Policing
Durham Spennymoor (Middlestone Moor) 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 5 stations

Bishop Auckland Train Station 3.7 miles
Shildon Train Station 3.9 miles
Newton Aycliffe Train Station 4.3 miles
Heighington Train Station 4.9 miles
North Road (Darlington) Train Station 9.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District County Durham
Ward Spennymoor
Constituency Bishop Auckland
Parish Spennymoor
Region North East

Home Ownership in Kirk Merrington

Of the 10,331 households in and around Kirk Merrington, 64% are owned, 21% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 64% Social rented 21% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Kirk Merrington

What is the population of Kirk Merrington?
Kirk Merrington has a population of approximately 22,435 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Kirk Merrington?
The average property in and around Kirk Merrington sold for about £169,069, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 52% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Kirk Merrington a deprived area?
Kirk Merrington 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 Kirk Merrington?
Kirk Merrington is covered by the DL16 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Kirk Merrington?
There are 70 schools within 5 miles of Kirk Merrington, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Kirk Merrington?
The nearest railway station to Kirk Merrington is Bishop Auckland Train Station, about 3.7 miles away.