Birtley on the map
Built-up area5.7 km² (2.2 sq mi)
Location in Tyne and WearBirtley sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Birtley
Birtley is a town located in the county of Tyne and Wear, in the north-east of England. It lies within the DH3 postcode area and is situated near the River Wear, offering views of the surrounding countryside. The town has a mix of residential areas and local amenities, including shops, schools, and community facilities. Birtley has a long history, with evidence of settlement dating back to medieval times, and it has developed over the years into a settled community. The area is well connected by road and rail, with nearby access to the A1 and the Tyne and Wear Metro network. It is a place where people live and work, with a strong sense of local identity. The town centre features a range of services and is close to several parks and green spaces, providing opportunities for recreation and leisure.
School Ratings in Birtley
Birtley is served by 148 schools. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Birtley
Property prices average £196K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £180K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Birtley
Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Birtley, with 89 incidents logged in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Birtley
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Birtley 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.
Healthcare in Birtley
There are 37 GP surgeries within three miles of Birtley, the nearest being Birtley Medical Group (0.7 miles away).
Local Data for Birtley
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Property Prices 4,269 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the DH3 postcode area.
Household Income in Birtley ONS 2023
The average total household income in Birtley is approximately £46,613 a year before tax, 16% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,597. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £35,597.
Businesses in Birtley ONS 2025
There are approximately 883 active businesses based in Birtley, around 31 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 86% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 36 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Birtley IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Birtley 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.
Crime in Birtley 378 crimes · May 2026
Reported crime in Birtley 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.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Birtley
Of the 12,841 households in and around Birtley, 68% are owned, 19% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Birtley.