About Shildon

Shildon is a town located in County Durham, England, within the postcode area DL4. It is known for its historical significance in the railway industry, being the birthplace of the locomotive. The town features various amenities, including shops, schools, and parks, making it a practical choice for residents and visitors alike. The local railway heritage is evident in attractions such as the Locomotion museum, which showcases the history of rail transport in Britain. Shildon also has several community events throughout the year, fostering a sense of togetherness among its inhabitants. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors, providing a balance between urban and rural life.

School Ratings in Shildon

Families in Shildon have access to 61 local schools. Thornhill Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 1 school holds a Good rating.

House Prices in Shildon

Homes sell for an average of £98K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £57K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Shildon

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Criminal damage & arson is the leading concern across Shildon, with 35 incidents recorded in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Shildon

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Shildon within the more deprived parts of England. A higher proportion of working-age residents face employment challenges compared to the national picture. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Shildon

Broadband services in Shildon range from standard to superfast depending on location. Mobile signal strength on 4G is reasonable, though 5G and indoor coverage can be patchy. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 1,913 sales

Average Price £98K
£2K £8.25M
Detached £187K 287
Semi £89K 348
Terraced £57K 1,183
Flat £41K 6

Deprivation and Employment in Shildon IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Shildon 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
3/10
Income
4/10
Employment
3/10
Education
4/10
Health
2/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
5/10
3,396 Children (0-15) 17%
12,008 Working Age 62%
5,452 Older (60+) 28%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 45.6% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 22.8% 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 Shildon 218 crimes · January 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Shildon 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.

57 Violence & Sexual Offences
35 Criminal Damage & Arson
29 Anti-Social Behaviour
22 Burglary
18 Public Order
13 Other Crime
12 Other Theft
11 Shoplifting
8 Vehicle Crime
5 Weapons
4 Drugs
3 Robbery
1 Bicycle Theft
Local Policing
Durham Newton Aycliffe (Thickley) 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

Shildon Train Station 0.3 miles
Newton Aycliffe Train Station 2.2 miles
Heighington Train Station 2.3 miles
Bishop Auckland Train Station 2.4 miles
North Road (Darlington) Train Station 7.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District County Durham
Ward Shildon and Dene Valley
Constituency Bishop Auckland
Parish Shildon
Region North East

Notable & Famous People from Shildon 1 people

Craig Raine
Writer
poet