High Shields on the map

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

26,262
Population
13,420
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£37,943
Avg. household income
826
Businesses
4,040
People per km²
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About High Shields

High Shields is a coastal town located in Tyne and Wear, England, within the NE33 postcode area. It is situated on the north bank of the River Tyne and offers a mix of residential areas and local amenities. The town features a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, catering to both residents and visitors. High Shields has a long stretch of sandy beach, popular for walks and leisure activities, making it a pleasant spot for families and individuals alike.

The town is well-connected by public transport, with regular bus services and a nearby metro station providing easy access to Newcastle and surrounding areas. High Shields also has several parks and recreational spaces, ideal for outdoor activities. The local community is active, with various events and activities taking place throughout the year, contributing to the town's sense of community and engagement among its residents.

School Ratings in High Shields

There are 165 schools in and around High Shields. St Bede's Catholic Primary School, South Shields is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in High Shields

The average property price is £157K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £144K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in High Shields

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across High Shields, with 189 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in High Shields

High Shields falls within the more deprived areas of England, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment deprivation is higher than average, with a larger share of working-age residents out of work. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in High Shields

There are 36 GP surgeries within three miles of High Shields, the nearest being Trinity Medical Centre (0.4 miles away).

Property Prices 4,124 sales

Average Price £157K
£1K , £93.4M
Detached £280K 53
Semi £210K 362
Terraced £144K 1,588
Flat £91K 1,400

Household Income in High Shields ONS 2023

The average total household income in High Shields is approximately £37,943 a year before tax, 31% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £29,658. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

High Shields £37,943
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £29,658.

Businesses in High Shields ONS 2025

There are approximately 826 active businesses based in High Shields, around 31 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 85% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 12 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

826 Total businesses
31 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 85%
Small, 10-49 12%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 2%

Deprivation and Employment in High Shields IMD 2025

High Shields falls within the more deprived areas of England according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment opportunities can be more limited and household incomes tend to sit below the national average. Investment in local services and regeneration continues to support the community.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
4/10
Employment
3/10
Education
5/10
Health
2/10
Housing
9/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 65%
Older 65+ 20%
4,005 Children (0-15) 15%
17,094 Working Age 65%
5,184 Older (65+) 20%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 43.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 27.1% 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 High Shields 811 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

High Shields sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.

Violence & Sexual Offences 203
Anti-Social Behaviour 189
Shoplifting 137
Criminal Damage & Arson 94
Public Order 47
Other Theft 44
Burglary 24
Other Crime 18
Drugs 15
Theft from Person 14
Vehicle Crime 11
Robbery 8
Bicycle Theft 6
Weapons 1
Local Policing
Northumbria Riverside and West Shields 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 5 stations

Heworth Train Station 5.7 miles
Sunderland Train Station 6.3 miles
Manors Train Station 7.1 miles
Dunston Train Station 8.8 miles
Metrocentre Train Station 9.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District South Tyneside
Ward Beacon and Bents
Constituency South Shields
Parish South Tyneside, unparished area
Region North East

Home Ownership in High Shields

Of the 13,139 households in and around High Shields, 53% are owned, 23% are socially rented and 24% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 53% Social rented 23% Private rented 24%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about High Shields

What is the population of High Shields?
High Shields has a population of approximately 26,262 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in High Shields?
The average property in and around High Shields sold for about £157,093, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 55% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is High Shields a deprived area?
High Shields 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 High Shields?
High Shields is covered by the NE33 postcode district.
How many schools are there in High Shields?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of High Shields, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to High Shields?
The nearest railway station to High Shields is Heworth Train Station, about 5.7 miles away.