Tyne and Wear spans about 536 km² (207 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Tyne and Wear
Tyne and Wear is a metropolitan county in the north east of England, centred around the River Tyne and shaped by its coastal and industrial setting. The area developed through shipbuilding, coal mining and heavy engineering, which left a lasting influence on its towns and urban landscape. While largely built up, Tyne and Wear also includes riverside spaces, parks and a short stretch of North Sea coastline.
The county is made up of several closely linked urban areas, including Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, Gateshead, South Tyneside and North Tyneside. Newcastle acts as the main cultural and commercial centre, while other areas developed around ports, industry and transport links. Today, the local economy is more diverse, with employment across education, health, technology, retail and public services.
Tyne and Wear benefits from strong transport connections and access to outdoor space, with riverside walks, coastal paths and nearby countryside supporting everyday recreation. Strong local identities remain an important feature, shaped by shared history and community ties. Overall, Tyne and Wear offers a steady blend of urban life, industrial heritage and modern regional activity, giving it a distinctive and well established place within England.
Tyne and Wear at a Glance
House Prices in Tyne and Wear
The average sold price in Tyne and Wear is £198,207 across 36,227 recorded sales, making it the 64th most expensive of 69 counties.
Source: HM Land Registry Price Paid Data. Figures are averages of recorded sales.
People & Demographics
Age structure
Housing tenure
Source: ONS Census 2021 and model-based income estimates.
Schools in Tyne and Wear 445
Source: Department for Education and Ofsted.
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are houses in Tyne and Wear?
The average sold price in Tyne and Wear is around £198,207. A detached home averages £320,092, a terraced home £157,186 and a flat £116,744.
What is the population of Tyne and Wear?
Tyne and Wear has a population of about 1,131,809 people, at a density of 2,112 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Tyne and Wear?
The average household income in Tyne and Wear is around £44,970 a year.
How many schools are there in Tyne and Wear?
There are 445 schools in Tyne and Wear.
Largest Towns in Tyne and Wear 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Tyne and Wear stretches from 0 ft at Lemington up to 745 ft at Leadgate, a span of 745 ft across 278 towns and villages. This reflects notably varied terrain, with clear contrasts between lower valleys and higher ground.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 42 postcode areas in Tyne and Wear. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Tyne and Wear 42
Tyne and Wear has 278 towns, villages and localities in total. The main towns are shown below. You can also browse the full A to Z of every place in Tyne and Wear.
Postcode Areas in Tyne and Wear 3
Tyne and Wear is served by 3 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.