Thornley on the map

Thornley built-up area

Built-up area0.7 km² (0.3 sq mi)

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

34,324
Population
14,770
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£41,544
Avg. household income
907
Businesses
355
People per km²
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About Thornley

Thornley is a village located in County Durham, England, within the DH6 postcode area. It is situated approximately six miles south of the city of Durham and offers a blend of residential areas and local amenities. The village has a primary school, a few shops, and a community centre that serves as a hub for local activities. Thornley is well-connected by road, making it accessible for those commuting to nearby towns and cities.

The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including walking and cycling. Thornley also has a local park where residents can enjoy open spaces and recreational facilities. The village is part of a larger community in the area, with nearby towns offering additional services and amenities. Overall, Thornley is a pleasant place to live or visit for those seeking a quiet village atmosphere with essential facilities.

School Ratings in Thornley

There are 66 schools in and around Thornley. A further 11 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Thornley

The average property price is £143K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £111K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Thornley

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Burglary is prevalent across Thornley, with 6 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Thornley

Thornley 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 Thornley

There are 5 GP surgeries within three miles of Thornley, the nearest being Bevan Medical Group (2 miles away).

Local Data for Thornley

Dig deeper into the area around Thornley with our free postcode tools.

Food Hygiene Ratings Hygiene scores for cafes, takeaways and shops Nearest GP Surgery Find the GP surgeries closest to a postcode Compare Areas Put two areas head to head House Prices Recent sale prices and trends

Property Prices 5,832 sales

Average Price £143K
£100 , £8.25M
Detached £221K 1,409
Semi £111K 2,149
Terraced £90K 1,992
Flat £63K 42

Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools

44 Primary
7 Secondary
15 Other
Good 11

Ofsted ratings for schools in the DH6 postcode area.

Thornley Academy Primary 0.3 miles St Godrics Catholic Primary School, Thornley Primary 0.7 miles Wheatley Hill Community Primary School Primary Good 0.7 miles Wheatley Hill Children's Centre Good 0.7 miles Ludworth Primary School Primary Good 1.2 miles Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, Shotton Primary Good 1.8 miles Cassop Primary School Primary Good 1.9 miles Deaf Hill Primary School Primary 2.1 miles Shotton Primary School Primary Good 2.1 miles Wingate Community Nursery School Nursery Outstanding 2.4 miles Kelloe Primary School Primary 2.5 miles Wellfield School Secondary 2.6 miles

Household Income in Thornley ONS 2023

The average total household income in Thornley is approximately £41,544 a year before tax, 25% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,683. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Thornley £41,544
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,683.

Businesses in Thornley ONS 2025

There are approximately 907 active businesses based in Thornley, around 26 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 87% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 17 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

907 Total businesses
26 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 87%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Thornley IMD 2025

Thornley 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
5/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
3/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 63%
Older 65+ 19%
6,036 Children (0-15) 18%
21,556 Working Age 63%
6,734 Older (65+) 20%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 39.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 20.2% 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 Thornley 50 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Thornley records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 22
Burglary 6
Anti-Social Behaviour 5
Criminal Damage & Arson 5
Public Order 4
Weapons 2
Vehicle Crime 2
Drugs 1
Other Theft 1
Shoplifting 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Durham Peterlee (Wheatley Hill/Thornley) 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 1 stations

Chester-Le-Street Train Station 9.3 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

Wheatley Hill 0.9 miles Ludworth 1.2 miles Shadforth 1.4 miles Cassop 1.4 miles Old Wingate 1.4 miles Haswell Moor 1.8 miles Fleming Field 1.8 miles Old Cassop 1.9 miles Shotton Colliery 2 miles Haswell Plough 2 miles Town Kelloe 2 miles Quarrington Hill 2.2 miles

Local Government

District County Durham
Ward Sherburn
Constituency City of Durham
Parish Sherburn Village
Region North East

Home Ownership in Thornley

Of the 15,749 households in and around Thornley, 63% are owned, 23% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 63% Social rented 23% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Thornley

What is the population of Thornley?
Thornley has a population of approximately 34,324 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Thornley?
The average property in and around Thornley sold for about £143,151, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 59% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Thornley a deprived area?
Thornley 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 Thornley?
Thornley is covered by the DH6 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Thornley?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Thornley, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Thornley?
The nearest railway station to Thornley is Chester-Le-Street Train Station, about 9.3 miles away.

Streets in DH6 30 shown View all streets

>> 1 A1(M) 3 A167 8 A177 2 A181 2 A688 5 Abbeydale Gardens 1 Acer Drive 1 Albert Court 1 Albert Street 1 Alcote Grove 1 Almond Close 1 Alston Walk 2 Ann Avenue 2 Applegarth 1 Arden Street 2 Arran Grove 1 Ashbourne Drive 4 Ashford Grove 2 Ashwood 1 Ashwood Grange 2 Atkinson Grove 1 Attlee Crescent 1 B1279 3 B1280 4 B1283 3 B6291 18 Back Coronation Terrace 1 Bannerman Terrace 1 Barnard Avenue 5

Postcodes in DH6 50 shown View all postcodes

DH6 1AA DH6 1AB DH6 1AD DH6 1AE DH6 1AF DH6 1AG DH6 1AH DH6 1AJ DH6 1AL DH6 1AN DH6 1AP DH6 1AQ DH6 1AR DH6 1AS DH6 1AT DH6 1AU DH6 1AW DH6 1AX DH6 1AY DH6 1AZ DH6 1BA DH6 1BB DH6 1BD DH6 1BE DH6 1BF DH6 1BG DH6 1BH DH6 1BJ DH6 1BL DH6 1BN DH6 1BP DH6 1BQ DH6 1BS DH6 1BU DH6 1BW DH6 1DA DH6 1DB DH6 1DE DH6 1DF DH6 1DG DH6 1DJ DH6 1DL DH6 1DN DH6 1DP DH6 1DR DH6 1DS DH6 1DT DH6 1DU DH6 1DW DH6 1DX