Peterlee on the map

Peterlee built-up area

Built-up area8.0 km² (3.1 sq mi)

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

35,173
Population
15,373
Households
2 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
48
Schools nearby
£37,672
Avg. household income
527
Businesses
1,002
People per km²

About Peterlee

Peterlee is a town located in County Durham, England, within the SR8 postcode area. Established in the 1940s as a new town, it was developed to provide housing and employment opportunities for those displaced by the coal industry. The town features a mix of residential areas, parks, and local amenities, making it a functional place for residents.

The town centre includes a variety of shops, services, and community facilities, catering to the needs of its population. Peterlee is also home to several parks, offering green spaces for leisure and recreation. The nearby coastline provides additional opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration, making it a practical location for those seeking a balance of town and nature.

School Ratings in Peterlee

Families in Peterlee have access to 48 local schools. Horden Nursery School, Rosemary Lane Nursery School and The Academy at Shotton Hall are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 15 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Peterlee

Homes sell for an average of £107K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £55K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Peterlee

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Peterlee, with 61 incidents recorded in July 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Peterlee

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Peterlee within the more deprived parts of England. A higher proportion of working-age residents face employment challenges compared to the national picture. A larger share of residents live on lower incomes compared to the wider national picture.

Healthcare in Peterlee

There are 15 GP surgeries within three miles of Peterlee, the nearest being Peterlee Primary Care Services (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 6,316 sales

Average Price £107K
£1K , £8.3M
Detached £218K 790
Semi £99K 1,493
Terraced £55K 3,724
Flat £51K 52

Household Income in Peterlee ONS 2023

The average total household income in Peterlee is approximately £37,672 a year before tax, 32% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £31,848. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Peterlee £37,672
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £31,848.

Businesses in Peterlee ONS 2025

There are approximately 527 active businesses based in Peterlee, around 15 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 6 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

527 Total businesses
15 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 2%

Deprivation and Employment in Peterlee IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Peterlee experiences higher levels of deprivation than much of England. Employment and income indicators fall below the national average, though the area benefits from targeted regeneration and community support programmes.

Overall Deprivation
2/10
Income
3/10
Employment
2/10
Education
3/10
Health
1/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 20%
6,415 Children (0-15) 18%
21,665 Working Age 62%
7,101 Older (65+) 20%
Below Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 53.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 27.4% 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 Peterlee 493 crimes · July 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Peterlee 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 213
Anti-Social Behaviour 61
Criminal Damage & Arson 61
Shoplifting 52
Other Theft 26
Public Order 24
Burglary 15
Vehicle Crime 14
Other Crime 12
Drugs 7
Theft from Person 4
Weapons 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Robbery 1
Local Policing
Durham Peterlee (Peterlee) 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 2 stations

Hartlepool Train Station 7.2 miles
Seaton Carew Train Station 8.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District County Durham
Ward Peterlee East
Constituency Easington
Parish Peterlee
Region North East

Home Ownership in Peterlee

Of the 16,131 households in and around Peterlee, 57% are owned, 25% are socially rented and 19% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 57% Social rented 25% Private rented 19%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Peterlee

What is the population of Peterlee?
Peterlee has a population of approximately 35,173 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Peterlee?
The average property in and around Peterlee sold for about £106,990, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 69% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Peterlee a deprived area?
Peterlee sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 2 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Peterlee?
Peterlee is covered by the SR8 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Peterlee?
There are 48 schools within 5 miles of Peterlee, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Peterlee?
The nearest railway station to Peterlee is Hartlepool Train Station, about 7.2 miles away.