The Slack on the map

Location in County DurhamThe Slack sits where the marker shows within the county.

13,706
Population
6,331
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£41,990
Avg. household income
728
Businesses
30
People per km²
Create a free area profile for The SlackDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About The Slack

The Slack is a small village located in County Durham, England, within the DL13 postcode area. This rural settlement is surrounded by the natural beauty of the North Pennines, offering a peaceful atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The village features a mix of traditional stone cottages and modern homes, providing a glimpse into the local architecture.

In terms of amenities, The Slack is relatively quiet but is close to larger towns that offer a wider range of services and facilities. The area is popular for outdoor activities, with numerous walking trails and scenic views of the countryside. The nearby towns provide opportunities for shopping and dining, making it a practical base for exploring the surrounding region.

School Ratings in The Slack

Families in The Slack have access to 17 local schools. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in The Slack

Homes sell for an average of £202K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £123K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in The Slack

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across The Slack, with 1 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in The Slack

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places The Slack around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in The Slack

There are 3 GP surgeries within three miles of The Slack, the nearest being Pinfold Medical Practice (0.5 miles away).

Property Prices 1,909 sales

Average Price £202K
£2K , £12.85M
Detached £294K 423
Semi £160K 327
Terraced £123K 920
Flat £146K 32

Household Income in The Slack ONS 2023

The average total household income in The Slack is approximately £41,990 a year before tax, 24% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,088. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

The Slack £41,990
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,088.

Businesses in The Slack ONS 2025

There are approximately 728 active businesses based in The Slack, around 53 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 94% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 3 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

728 Total businesses
53 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 94%
Small, 10-49 5%
Medium, 50-249 0%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in The Slack IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in The Slack are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
5/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
4/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
2/10
Children 0-15 14%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 29%
1,959 Children (0-15) 14%
7,871 Working Age 57%
3,867 Older (65+) 28%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 31.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 16.7% 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 The Slack 2 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in The Slack are lower than the England and Wales average. While anti-social behaviour is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure small town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Anti-Social Behaviour 1
Public Order 1
Local Policing
Durham Barnard Castle (Staindrop) 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 4 stations

Bishop Auckland Train Station 6.4 miles
Shildon Train Station 7.2 miles
Heighington Train Station 8.9 miles
Newton Aycliffe Train Station 9.3 miles

Location

Local Government

District County Durham
Ward Weardale
Constituency North West Durham
Parish Stanhope
Region North East

Home Ownership in The Slack

Of the 6,447 households in and around The Slack, 70% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 70% Social rented 14% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about The Slack

What is the population of The Slack?
The Slack has a population of approximately 13,706 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in The Slack?
The average property in and around The Slack sold for about £202,149, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 42% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is The Slack a deprived area?
The Slack 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 The Slack?
The Slack is covered by the DL13 postcode district.
How many schools are there in The Slack?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of The Slack, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to The Slack?
The nearest railway station to The Slack is Bishop Auckland Train Station, about 6.4 miles away.