Merrybent on the map

Merrybent built-up area

Built-up area0.2 km² (0.1 sq mi)

Location in County DurhamMerrybent 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
Create a free area profile for MerrybentDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Merrybent

Merrybent is a small village located in County Durham, England, within the DL2 postcode area. It is situated near the larger town of Darlington, providing easy access to various local amenities and services. The village features a mix of residential properties, with a few local businesses contributing to the community's needs.

Surrounding Merrybent are open fields and rural landscapes, offering a peaceful environment for residents and visitors alike. The village is well-connected by road, making it convenient for those wishing to explore the nearby attractions and natural beauty of County Durham. Whether you are passing through or staying for a while, Merrybent presents a quiet spot to appreciate the countryside.

School Ratings in Merrybent

There are 56 schools in and around Merrybent. 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 Merrybent

The average property price is £280K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £320K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Merrybent

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Merrybent, with 132 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Merrybent

Merrybent 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 Merrybent

There are 23 GP surgeries within three miles of Merrybent, the nearest being Carmel Medical Practice (1.8 miles away).

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 Merrybent ONS 2023

The average total household income in Merrybent 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.

Merrybent £54,094
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Merrybent ONS 2025

There are approximately 925 active businesses based in Merrybent, 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 Merrybent IMD 2025

Merrybent 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
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 Merrybent 538 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Merrybent sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.

Violence & Sexual Offences 164
Anti-Social Behaviour 132
Shoplifting 69
Public Order 42
Criminal Damage & Arson 36
Burglary 22
Other Crime 19
Other Theft 16
Vehicle Crime 13
Drugs 10
Weapons 5
Bicycle Theft 4
Robbery 4
Theft from Person 2
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

North Road (Darlington) Train Station 2.8 miles
Heighington Train Station 5.7 miles
Dinsdale Train Station 6.3 miles
Newton Aycliffe Train Station 6.4 miles
Shildon Train Station 7.2 miles
Teesside Airport Train Station 7.9 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 Merrybent

Of the 8,433 households in and around Merrybent, 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 Merrybent.

Frequently Asked Questions about Merrybent

What is the population of Merrybent?
Merrybent 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 Merrybent?
The average property in and around Merrybent 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 Merrybent a deprived area?
Merrybent 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 Merrybent?
Merrybent is covered by the DL2 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Merrybent?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Merrybent, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Merrybent?
The nearest railway station to Merrybent is North Road (Darlington) Train Station, about 2.8 miles away.