Preston-le-Skerne on the map

Location in County DurhamPreston-le-Skerne sits where the marker shows within the county.

28,376
Population
12,548
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£43,625
Avg. household income
855
Businesses
593
People per km²
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About Preston-le-Skerne

Preston-le-Skerne is a small village located in County Durham, England, within the postcode area DL5. The village is situated near the River Skerne, providing a scenic backdrop for the local community. It is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern housing. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape.

The village is well-connected to nearby towns, making it convenient for those who commute for work or leisure. Local amenities include a few shops and services that cater to residents' daily needs. The village has a close-knit community feel, with various local events and gatherings that bring people together throughout the year. Overall, Preston-le-Skerne provides a peaceful environment while remaining accessible to larger urban areas.

School Ratings in Preston-le-Skerne

There are 34 schools in and around Preston-le-Skerne. A further 11 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Preston-le-Skerne

The average property price is £194K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £94K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Preston-le-Skerne

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Preston-le-Skerne, with 137 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Preston-le-Skerne

Preston-le-Skerne 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 Preston-le-Skerne

There are 9 GP surgeries within three miles of Preston-le-Skerne, the nearest being Aycliffe Sch (1.1 miles away).

Property Prices 4,154 sales

Average Price £194K
£600 , £12M
Detached £236K 1,403
Semi £132K 1,009
Terraced £94K 1,554
Flat £73K 52

Household Income in Preston-le-Skerne ONS 2023

The average total household income in Preston-le-Skerne is approximately £43,625 a year before tax, 21% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,850. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Preston-le-Skerne £43,625
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,850.

Businesses in Preston-le-Skerne ONS 2025

There are approximately 855 active businesses based in Preston-le-Skerne, around 30 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 80% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 33 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

855 Total businesses
30 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 80%
Small, 10-49 16%
Medium, 50-249 3%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Preston-le-Skerne IMD 2025

Preston-le-Skerne 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
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
3/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
8/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 22%
5,175 Children (0-15) 18%
16,939 Working Age 60%
6,261 Older (65+) 22%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 45.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 20.5% 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 Preston-le-Skerne 418 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Preston-le-Skerne sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Anti-social behaviour 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.

Anti-Social Behaviour 137
Violence & Sexual Offences 137
Criminal Damage & Arson 46
Public Order 24
Shoplifting 19
Other Theft 15
Burglary 13
Other Crime 9
Vehicle Crime 8
Drugs 4
Robbery 3
Weapons 2
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Durham Newton Aycliffe Town Centre, Neville, Simpasture and Business Park 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

Newton Aycliffe Train Station 2.5 miles
Heighington Train Station 3 miles
Shildon Train Station 4.6 miles
North Road (Darlington) Train Station 5.5 miles
Bishop Auckland Train Station 6.6 miles
Dinsdale Train Station 7.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District County Durham
Ward Aycliffe East
Constituency Sedgefield
Parish Great Aycliffe
Region North East

Home Ownership in Preston-le-Skerne

Of the 12,760 households in and around Preston-le-Skerne, 61% are owned, 25% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 61% Social rented 25% Private rented 14%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Preston-le-Skerne

What is the population of Preston-le-Skerne?
Preston-le-Skerne has a population of approximately 28,376 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Preston-le-Skerne?
The average property in and around Preston-le-Skerne sold for about £194,263, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 44% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Preston-le-Skerne a deprived area?
Preston-le-Skerne 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 Preston-le-Skerne?
Preston-le-Skerne is covered by the DL5 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Preston-le-Skerne?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Preston-le-Skerne, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Preston-le-Skerne?
The nearest railway station to Preston-le-Skerne is Newton Aycliffe Train Station, about 2.5 miles away.