Sunderland on the map

Sunderland built-up area

Built-up area40.2 km² (15.5 sq mi)

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

179,758
Population
80,668
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£41,209
Avg. household income
3,784
Businesses
2,621
People per km²
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About Sunderland

Sunderland is a city located in Tyne and Wear, England, within the SR5 postcode area. It lies along the north-east coast of England, bordered by the North Sea to the east. The city has a diverse economy, with significant contributions from sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and education. Sunderland is home to the University of Sunderland, which offers a range of courses and attracts students from various backgrounds.

The city's waterfront features the Sunderland Marina and the National Glass Centre, which showcases the region's glassmaking heritage. Sunderland also has several parks and green spaces, providing areas for relaxation and recreation. The city centre offers a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, including theatres and galleries that reflect the local community's interests and creativity.

School Ratings in Sunderland

Families in Sunderland have access to 133 local 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 Sunderland

Homes sell for an average of £176K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £114K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Sunderland

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Sunderland, with 285 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Sunderland

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Sunderland within the more deprived parts of England. A higher proportion of working-age residents face employment challenges compared to the national picture. A larger share of residents live on lower incomes compared to the wider national picture.

Healthcare in Sunderland

There are 46 GP surgeries within three miles of Sunderland, the nearest being Monkwearmouth Health Centre (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 23,521 sales

Average Price £176K
£200 , £36.82M
Detached £308K 2,928
Semi £158K 8,353
Terraced £114K 8,608
Flat £88K 2,377

Household Income in Sunderland ONS 2023

The average total household income in Sunderland is approximately £41,209 a year before tax, 25% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £32,328. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Sunderland £41,209
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £32,328.

Businesses in Sunderland ONS 2025

There are approximately 3,784 active businesses based in Sunderland, around 21 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 87% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 81 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

3,784 Total businesses
21 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 87%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Sunderland IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Sunderland 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
3/10
Employment
3/10
Education
3/10
Health
2/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 21%
30,985 Children (0-15) 17%
111,994 Working Age 62%
36,784 Older (65+) 20%
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 Sunderland 1,474 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Sunderland are higher than the England and Wales average, with violence & sexual offences the most prevalent offence recorded. Urban density and footfall contribute to elevated reporting in areas like this. Ongoing investment in policing and community safety programmes aims to improve the picture.

Violence & Sexual Offences 387
Anti-Social Behaviour 285
Shoplifting 245
Criminal Damage & Arson 138
Burglary 94
Public Order 91
Other Theft 65
Other Crime 39
Vehicle Crime 37
Drugs 31
Robbery 28
Bicycle Theft 14
Theft from Person 11
Weapons 9
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 4 stations

Sunderland Train Station 0.4 miles
Heworth Train Station 7.4 miles
Chester-Le-Street Train Station 8.6 miles
Manors Train Station 9.8 miles

Location

Local Government

District Sunderland
Ward Washington South
Constituency Washington and Sunderland West
Parish Sunderland, unparished area
Region North East

Home Ownership in Sunderland

Of the 80,518 households in and around Sunderland, 57% are owned, 27% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 57% Social rented 27% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Sunderland

What is the population of Sunderland?
Sunderland has a population of approximately 179,758 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Sunderland?
The average property in and around Sunderland sold for about £175,630, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 50% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Sunderland a deprived area?
Sunderland 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 Sunderland?
Sunderland is covered by the SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5, SR6 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Sunderland?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Sunderland, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Sunderland?
The nearest railway station to Sunderland is Sunderland Train Station, about 0.4 miles away.