About South Shields

South Shields is a coastal town located in Tyne and Wear, England, within the NE33 postcode area. It lies on the south bank of the River Tyne and is known for its long sandy beaches, including the popular Sandhaven Beach. The town has a mix of modern amenities and traditional seaside attractions, making it a suitable destination for both relaxation and activities. The South Shields ferry service provides easy access to Newcastle upon Tyne, enhancing its appeal for visitors. In addition to its beaches, South Shields features several parks and green spaces, such as South Marine Park, which offers a boating lake and gardens. The town is also home to the historic Arbeia Roman Fort, providing insight into the area's Roman past. With a range of shops, restaurants, and cultural events, South Shields caters to a variety of interests, making it a welcoming place for tourists and locals alike.

School Ratings in South Shields

Families in South Shields have access to 164 local schools. St Bede's Catholic Primary School, South Shields is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in South Shields

Homes sell for an average of £164K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £125K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in South Shields

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across South Shields, with 124 incidents recorded in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in South Shields

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places South Shields within the more deprived parts of England. A higher proportion of working-age residents face employment challenges compared to the national picture. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in South Shields

South Shields benefits from solid broadband infrastructure, including superfast and ultrafast services. Mobile reception across 4G and 5G is dependable in most locations. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 8,906 sales

Average Price £164K
£500 £93.4M
Detached £277K 367
Semi £175K 2,555
Terraced £125K 3,236
Flat £92K 1,840

Deprivation and Employment in South Shields IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, South Shields 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
4/10
Employment
3/10
Education
5/10
Health
2/10
Housing
9/10
Living Environment
4/10
6,612 Children (0-15) 15%
27,896 Working Age 65%
12,155 Older (60+) 28%
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 South Shields 303 crimes · January 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in South Shields are lower than the England and Wales average. While anti-social behaviour is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

124 Anti-Social Behaviour
75 Violence & Sexual Offences
28 Shoplifting
14 Criminal Damage & Arson
13 Public Order
12 Other Crime
11 Burglary
8 Other Theft
7 Drugs
6 Vehicle Crime
3 Weapons
2 Robbery
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

Notable & Famous People from South Shields 28 people

Blair Adams
Association football player
British footballer (born 1991)
Bobby Davison
Association football coach
footballer and manager (born 1959)
Catherine Cookson
Writer
British writer (1906–1998)
Derek W. Moore
Mathematician
British mathematician (1931-2008)
Eric Idle
Screenwriter
British comedian, actor and writer (born 1943)
Flora Robson
Actor
English actress (1902-1984)
Frank Williams
Businessperson
founder of Williams Grand Prix Engineering (1942–2021)
George Ellis
Athletics competitor
British sprinter born 1932 (1932–2023)
George Frederick Stout
Psychologist
British philosopher and psychologist (1860–1944)
Gordon Kew
Association football referee
Football referee