Downhill on the map

Location in Tyne and WearDownhill sits where the marker shows within the county.

34,127
Population
15,310
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£36,078
Avg. household income
720
Businesses
2,947
People per km²
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About Downhill

Downhill is a suburb located in Tyne and Wear, England, within the postcode area SR5. It is primarily a residential area, featuring a mix of housing types, including semi-detached and terraced homes. The suburb is well connected to nearby towns and cities, making it a convenient location for commuters. Local amenities include shops, schools, and parks, catering to the needs of its residents.

The area is also close to the coastline, providing opportunities for seaside walks and leisure activities. Downhill is situated near the River Wear, which adds to the local landscape. Public transport options are available, making it easy to explore the surrounding regions. Overall, Downhill offers a practical living environment with access to essential services and recreational spaces.

School Ratings in Downhill

Downhill is served by 214 schools. Hylton Red House Nursery School and Bexhill Academy are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 12 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Downhill

Property prices average £182K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £121K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Downhill

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Downhill, with 135 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Downhill

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Downhill is among the more deprived areas nationally. The area sees higher levels of employment deprivation, with more residents excluded from the labour market. Income deprivation is more prevalent, with household earnings falling below the national average.

Healthcare in Downhill

There are 34 GP surgeries within three miles of Downhill, the nearest being Consultant Dermatologist(sunderland) (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 3,143 sales

Average Price £182K
£200 , £33.35M
Detached £218K 136
Semi £121K 1,336
Terraced £91K 1,280
Flat £55K 170

Household Income in Downhill ONS 2023

The average total household income in Downhill is approximately £36,078 a year before tax, 35% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £29,104. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Downhill £36,078
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £29,104.

Businesses in Downhill ONS 2025

There are approximately 720 active businesses based in Downhill, around 21 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 84% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 28 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

720 Total businesses
21 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 84%
Small, 10-49 11%
Medium, 50-249 3%
Large, 250+ 2%

Deprivation and Employment in Downhill IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation identifies Downhill 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
3/10
Employment
3/10
Education
3/10
Health
2/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 19%
6,552 Children (0-15) 19%
21,215 Working Age 62%
6,365 Older (65+) 19%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 47.5% of children in income-deprived families
Below Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 35.9% 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 Downhill 700 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Downhill 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 197
Anti-Social Behaviour 135
Shoplifting 114
Criminal Damage & Arson 74
Public Order 43
Other Theft 34
Other Crime 25
Burglary 24
Vehicle Crime 21
Drugs 11
Theft from Person 8
Weapons 5
Robbery 5
Bicycle Theft 4
Local Policing
Northumbria Carley Hill, Hylton Red House, Witherwack, Fulwell and Roker (Sunderland North) 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 6 stations

Sunderland Train Station 3.1 miles
Heworth Train Station 4.7 miles
Manors Train Station 7.1 miles
Chester-Le-Street Train Station 7.3 miles
Dunston Train Station 7.8 miles
Metrocentre Train Station 8.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Sunderland
Ward Southwick
Constituency Sunderland Central
Parish Sunderland, unparished area
Region North East

Home Ownership in Downhill

Of the 15,403 households in and around Downhill, 45% are owned, 40% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 45% Social rented 40% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Downhill

What is the population of Downhill?
Downhill has a population of approximately 34,127 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Downhill?
The average property in and around Downhill sold for about £182,305, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 48% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Downhill a deprived area?
Downhill 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 Downhill?
Downhill is covered by the SR5 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Downhill?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Downhill, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Downhill?
The nearest railway station to Downhill is Sunderland Train Station, about 3.1 miles away.