Washington on the map

Washington built-up area

Built-up area16.5 km² (6.4 sq mi)

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

51,878
Population
22,297
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£44,579
Avg. household income
1,240
Businesses
1,905
People per km²
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About Washington

Washington is a town located in Tyne and Wear, England, within the postcode area NE37. It is situated to the south of the River Wear and is part of the metropolitan borough of Sunderland. The town features a mix of residential areas and local amenities, including shops, schools, and parks, making it a practical choice for families and individuals alike.

One notable aspect of Washington is its proximity to the popular Washington Wetland Centre, which offers opportunities for wildlife observation and outdoor activities. The town also has good transport links, providing easy access to nearby cities such as Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland. With its blend of community facilities and natural spaces, Washington serves as a convenient location for those seeking both urban and rural experiences.

School Ratings in Washington

There are 217 schools in and around Washington. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Washington

The average property price is £224K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £111K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Washington

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Washington, with 86 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Washington

Washington sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, 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 Washington

There are 21 GP surgeries within three miles of Washington, the nearest being The Stephenson Medical Practice (0.6 miles away).

Property Prices 5,695 sales

Average Price £224K
£240 , £52.96M
Detached £311K 1,099
Semi £152K 1,553
Terraced £111K 1,993
Flat £56K 766

Household Income in Washington ONS 2023

The average total household income in Washington is approximately £44,579 a year before tax, 19% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,311. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Washington £44,579
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,311.

Businesses in Washington ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,240 active businesses based in Washington, around 24 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 84% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 30 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,240 Total businesses
24 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 84%
Small, 10-49 13%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Washington IMD 2025

Washington sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
3/10
Education
4/10
Health
2/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 22%
9,254 Children (0-15) 18%
31,077 Working Age 60%
11,546 Older (65+) 22%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 41.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 26.2% 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 Washington 381 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Washington sit broadly in line with national averages for a town of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Violence & Sexual Offences 100
Anti-Social Behaviour 86
Shoplifting 52
Criminal Damage & Arson 32
Other Theft 24
Burglary 23
Vehicle Crime 18
Public Order 17
Other Crime 16
Robbery 6
Drugs 4
Theft from Person 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Local Policing
Northumbria Washington 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

Heworth Train Station 3.4 miles
Chester-Le-Street Train Station 4.8 miles
Sunderland Train Station 5.1 miles
Manors Train Station 5.8 miles
Dunston Train Station 5.9 miles
Metrocentre Train Station 6.9 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Washington

Of the 22,944 households in and around Washington, 61% are owned, 27% are socially rented and 12% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 61% Social rented 27% Private rented 12%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Washington

What is the population of Washington?
Washington has a population of approximately 51,878 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Washington?
The average property in and around Washington sold for about £223,672, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 36% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Washington a deprived area?
Washington sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Washington?
Washington is covered by the NE37, NE38 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Washington?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Washington, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Washington?
The nearest railway station to Washington is Heworth Train Station, about 3.4 miles away.