Thornley on the map

Location in County DurhamThornley 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
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About Thornley

Thornley is a small village located in County Durham, England, within the DL13 postcode area. It is primarily a residential community, characterised by its rural setting and proximity to the surrounding countryside. The village features a few local amenities, including a primary school and a small number of shops, catering to the everyday needs of its residents.

The surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor activities, with various walking paths and scenic views of the nearby landscape. Thornley is well-connected to larger towns in the region, making it a convenient base for those who wish to explore County Durham further. The village provides a peaceful environment, suitable for those looking to enjoy a slower pace of life while still having access to essential services.

School Ratings in Thornley

Thornley is served by 13 schools. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Thornley

Property prices average £202K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £123K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Thornley

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Thornley, with 1 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Thornley

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Thornley falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

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 Thornley ONS 2023

The average total household income in Thornley 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.

Thornley £41,990
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Thornley ONS 2025

There are approximately 728 active businesses based in Thornley, 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 Thornley IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Thornley in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.

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 Thornley 6 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Thornley falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring small town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 4
Anti-Social Behaviour 1
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Local Policing
Durham Crook (Crook Town) Howden Le Wear, Tow Law 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

Bishop Auckland Train Station 7.7 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Thornley

Of the 6,447 households in and around Thornley, 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 Thornley.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thornley

What is the population of Thornley?
Thornley 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 Thornley?
The average property in and around Thornley 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 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 DL13 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 Bishop Auckland Train Station, about 7.7 miles away.