West Cornforth on the map

Location in County DurhamWest Cornforth sits where the marker shows within the county.

17,941
Population
8,155
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£37,230
Avg. household income
431
Businesses
385
People per km²
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About West Cornforth

West Cornforth is a village located in County Durham, England, within the postcode area DL17. It is situated approximately three miles southwest of the larger town of Ferryhill. The village features a mix of residential properties and local amenities, including a primary school and a few shops. The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors.

The village has a sense of community, with local events often taking place to bring residents together. West Cornforth is well-connected by road, making it accessible for those travelling to nearby towns and cities. The area reflects the character of the North East of England, with its blend of traditional and modern influences. Visitors can appreciate the local architecture and the peaceful atmosphere that the village offers.

School Ratings in West Cornforth

West Cornforth is served by 40 schools. A further 4 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in West Cornforth

Property prices average £107K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £58K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in West Cornforth

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in West Cornforth, with 27 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in West Cornforth

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, West Cornforth is among the more deprived areas nationally. The area sees higher levels of employment deprivation, with more residents excluded from the labour market. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in West Cornforth

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of West Cornforth, the nearest being West Cornforth Medical Centre (0.7 miles away).

Property Prices 3,810 sales

Average Price £107K
£100 , £8.25M
Detached £221K 524
Semi £102K 911
Terraced £58K 2,175
Flat £122K 25

Household Income in West Cornforth ONS 2023

The average total household income in West Cornforth is approximately £37,230 a year before tax, 33% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £30,888. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

West Cornforth £37,230
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £30,888.

Businesses in West Cornforth ONS 2025

There are approximately 431 active businesses based in West Cornforth, around 24 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 87% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 13 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

431 Total businesses
24 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 87%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 3%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in West Cornforth IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation identifies West Cornforth as one of the more deprived areas nationally. Residents face greater challenges around employment and income, though ongoing investment in infrastructure and services is helping to address these issues over time.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
4/10
Employment
3/10
Education
4/10
Health
2/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 22%
2,986 Children (0-15) 17%
10,868 Working Age 61%
4,076 Older (65+) 23%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 46% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 23.7% 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 West Cornforth 254 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in West Cornforth is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

Violence & Sexual Offences 103
Anti-Social Behaviour 27
Criminal Damage & Arson 26
Burglary 18
Other Theft 14
Public Order 14
Shoplifting 14
Other Crime 14
Vehicle Crime 13
Theft from Person 4
Drugs 3
Weapons 2
Robbery 2
Local Policing
Durham Spennymoor (West Cornforth/Bishop Middleham) 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

Newton Aycliffe Train Station 6.3 miles
Shildon Train Station 6.9 miles
Bishop Auckland Train Station 7 miles
Heighington Train Station 7.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District County Durham
Ward Ferryhill
Constituency Sedgefield
Parish Ferryhill
Region North East

Home Ownership in West Cornforth

Of the 8,670 households in and around West Cornforth, 55% are owned, 24% are socially rented and 20% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 55% Social rented 24% Private rented 20%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about West Cornforth

What is the population of West Cornforth?
West Cornforth has a population of approximately 17,941 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in West Cornforth?
The average property in and around West Cornforth sold for about £106,762, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 69% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is West Cornforth a deprived area?
West Cornforth sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 3 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover West Cornforth?
West Cornforth is covered by the DL17 postcode district.
How many schools are there in West Cornforth?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of West Cornforth, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to West Cornforth?
The nearest railway station to West Cornforth is Newton Aycliffe Train Station, about 6.3 miles away.