Hirst on the map

Location in NorthumberlandHirst sits where the marker shows within the county.

28,281
Population
12,383
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£42,111
Avg. household income
556
Businesses
1,203
People per km²
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About Hirst

Hirst is a suburb located in Northumberland, England, within the postcode area of NE63. It lies to the south of the town of Ashington and is primarily a residential area. The suburb is well-connected, with easy access to local amenities, including shops, schools, and parks, making it a practical choice for families and individuals alike.

The surrounding region offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Nearby, you can find Ashington's town centre, which features a range of facilities and services. Hirst is also close to the Northumberland coast, allowing for day trips to the seaside. The area is served by public transport, making it convenient for commuting to nearby towns and cities.

School Ratings in Hirst

Families in Hirst have access to 50 local schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Hirst

Homes sell for an average of £143K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £83K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Hirst

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Hirst, with 100 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Hirst

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Hirst within the more deprived parts of England. A higher proportion of working-age residents face employment challenges compared to the national picture. A larger share of residents live on lower incomes compared to the wider national picture.

Healthcare in Hirst

There are 5 GP surgeries within three miles of Hirst, the nearest being Primary Care Access Centre (0.4 miles away).

Property Prices 4,880 sales

Average Price £143K
£1K , £13.2M
Detached £226K 1,035
Semi £140K 882
Terraced £83K 2,471
Flat £65K 248

Household Income in Hirst ONS 2023

The average total household income in Hirst is approximately £42,111 a year before tax, 24% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,765. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Hirst £42,111
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,765.

Businesses in Hirst ONS 2025

There are approximately 556 active businesses based in Hirst, around 20 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 14 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

556 Total businesses
20 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 3%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Hirst IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Hirst 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
3/10
Employment
3/10
Education
4/10
Health
2/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 20%
5,231 Children (0-15) 18%
17,432 Working Age 62%
5,617 Older (65+) 20%
Below Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 50.6% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 22.7% 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 Hirst 406 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Hirst 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.

Violence & Sexual Offences 112
Anti-Social Behaviour 100
Criminal Damage & Arson 42
Shoplifting 36
Public Order 28
Burglary 26
Other Crime 16
Other Theft 15
Vehicle Crime 14
Drugs 5
Weapons 4
Robbery 3
Theft from Person 3
Bicycle Theft 2
Local Policing
Northumbria Ashington 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 2 stations

Pegswood Train Station 3.5 miles
Widdrington Train Station 4.8 miles

Location

Local Government

District Northumberland
Ward Ashington Central
Constituency Wansbeck
Parish Ashington
Region North East

Home Ownership in Hirst

Of the 13,183 households in and around Hirst, 57% are owned, 21% are socially rented and 22% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 57% Social rented 21% Private rented 22%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Hirst

What is the population of Hirst?
Hirst has a population of approximately 28,281 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Hirst?
The average property in and around Hirst sold for about £143,228, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 59% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Hirst a deprived area?
Hirst 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 Hirst?
Hirst is covered by the NE63 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Hirst?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Hirst, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Hirst?
The nearest railway station to Hirst is Pegswood Train Station, about 3.5 miles away.