Durham
Durham Bridge river image, Pixabay
Durham (DH) Postcode Area
Durham: Iconic cathedral city, UNESCO World Heritage site, cobbled streets, medieval charm, and a prestigious university. A city where history meets academia in picturesque surroundings.
Durham Postcode Area includes:
Durham, Chester Le Street, Houghton Le Spring, Consett, Stanley.
Discover everything you need to know about Durham with PostcodeArea. Scroll down to uncover demographics, property prices, crime stats, amenities and more.
Most Desirable Postcodes
Here are the top 10 most desirable postcode areas in Durham (DH), based on a unique scoring system that weighs key factors like safety, schools, diversity, and affordability.
Whether you're a renter, homebuyer, or property investor, this tool lets you customise the score to focus on what matters most to you, helping you make smarter, data-driven decisions.
How are Desirability Scores calculated?
Our custom algorithm calculates a unique "Desirability Score" for any UK postcode by analysing a range of factors - including Census 2021 data, third-party insights, and socio-economic knowledge, to provide a tailored rating.
Explain more
Primary Industries
Curious about the local business scene? These are the top four industries shaping Durham, from thriving services to key local employers.
Construction
Durham has a strong presence of construction businesses, which usually means there's a lot of building going on - whether it's new homes, commercial spaces, or infrastructure. This can be a good sign that the Durham area is growing and attracting investment. It could also mean there's a strong local economy, with plenty of work available for builders and tradespeople. On the flip side, it might suggest there's a fair bit of property in need of repair or updating. Either way, it tells you the Durham area is pretty active and could be on the up.
Professional & Scientific
Durham has a large proportion of professional and scientific businesses, which makes it a hub for specialised industries like law firms, consulting agencies, tech companies, or research labs. This suggests a high level of expertise and innovation, attracting professionals such as engineers, scientists, lawyers, and consultants. The Durham area might have a more polished, business-focused atmosphere, with modern offices and co-working spaces. It's often well-connected, with good transport links and amenities to support a skilled workforce. Property prices could be higher, as these areas tend to attract well-paid professionals. It might not be the most vibrant or social place, but it will have a reputation for being smart, efficient, and future-focused.
Accommodation & Food
When postcode areas have a lot of accommodation and food businesses, areas like Durham are a popular spot for visitors or tourists, or it could be a bustling community with a strong local hospitality scene. You'd expect to find hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, cafes, and maybe a few pubs or bars, creating a vibrant atmosphere, especially during peak seasons or weekends. It's the kind of area where people come to relax, socialise, or enjoy a good meal out, making it feel welcoming and lively. This could boost property demand if it's a desirable place to live or visit, but it might also mean the area gets busier, especially if Durham is a tourist hotspot. It gives the impression of a friendly, service-oriented place where people come to enjoy themselves.
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
The prevalance of agricultural industries (including forestry and fishing) in Durham suggests this is a lively and creative postcode sector. These kinds of businesses tend to pop up in areas that are known for their cultural scene, where people value things like theatres, galleries, music venues, and independent cinemas. It could mean the area attracts a mix of creatives, young professionals, and tourists, making it a vibrant and potentially trendy spot. This could also be a sign of a more laid-back, community-focused vibe, with lots of local events and activities in and around Durham. It might push property prices up if the area becomes particularly popular, but it's also a good indicator of a strong local identity and a thriving social scene.
Major Employers
Major employers and businesses in the DH postcode area include:
Arriva North East
Transport & Public Services, Durham
A leading bus operator providing public transport services across Durham and the North East.
Postcode Location: DH1
Durham Cathedral
Tourism & Heritage, Durham
One of the UK's most famous landmarks, attracting visitors from around the world and providing jobs in tourism, education, and hospitality.
Postcode Location: DH1
Durham University
Higher Education, Durham
A world-renowned research university offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Postcode Location: DH1
Northumbrian Water
Utilities, Durham
Provides water and wastewater services across the North East of England, with a large office in Durham.
Postcode Location: DH1
Data showing the activity, size and location is from the Inter Departmental Business Register 2024, produced by the ONS.
Key Statistics
Durham DH, part of the ceremonial county of Durham in England, presents a substantial geographical area with 9 outward codes (the first half of a postcode, e.g. DH 1AA). Its population stands at 320,953 individuals, reflecting a density of 998 people per square kilometre. The average household income here is £37,878 , a difference of 8.2%, which is in line with the average median UK household income of £35,000.
Postcode Area
Durham
Total Outward Codes
Postcodes
Population
People
Population Density
People/km2
Average Income
Per household
What's Durham like to live and work in?
Durham Bridge river image, Pixabay
Adobe Stock
Nestled in the North East of England, Durham is a picturesque city known for its stunning cathedral and vibrant community. The DH postcode area serves a population of around 65,000.
Durham boasts a rich history with landmarks like Durham Cathedral and Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The local economy thrives on education, thanks to Durham University, as well as tourism and retail. Excellent transport links, including the A1(M) motorway and regular train services, make Durham easily accessible. With its blend of historical charm and modern amenities, Durham is a captivating place to live and explore.
This page contains a list of postcode districts for Durham area. Select a postcode to see the map location, demographics, house prices, local information, tourist guides and statistics:
Durham (DH) Postcode Districts
Durham
The wider county
Whilst Durham town is a well deserving highlight of County Durham, it is by no means the only reason to visit. County Durham is an unspoiled northern county, defined by the calm ochre uplands of Teesdale and the empty but inspiring northern Pennines. A county of charming, gentle villages and bustling independent market towns, rich in produce and rich in history.
It is a county with an industrial heritage and its economy used to be almost completely based around iron and coal. Now however, it is a popular tourist destination with a World Heritage Site (Durham Castle and Cathedral) at its heart. Stretching from the North Sea Coast in the east to the North Pennines in the west, the county of Durham is bordered by Northumberland, Cumbria, Yorkshire and Tyne and Wear.
Read more about Durham
Local Transport
Transport in the DH Area
The DH postal area in the UK is well-connected, making it a convenient choice for commuters and travellers alike. For those who prefer rail travel, several train stations offer regular services, linking to major cities such as London, Newcastle, and Edinburgh. Key stations include Durham and Chester-le-Street, providing excellent connectivity.
If air travel is important, Newcastle International Airport is the nearest major hub, offering a range of domestic and international flights. There's also Durham Tees Valley Airport for additional options.
Commuting by car is straightforward, with the A1(M) motorway running through the area, giving easy access to neighbouring regions and beyond. This makes it ideal for those who need to drive frequently.
The local bus network is extensive and reliable, with numerous routes servicing towns and villages within the DH area, ensuring you can get around comfortably without a car.
Train Stations
The following railway stations are within the DH postcode region:
Chester-Le-Street Railway Station
Durham Railway Station
Local Authorities
DH Postcode area
Local Authorities are government organisations responsible for providing local services and facilities such as education, housing, and social services within a specific area. The DH postcode area includes the following local authorities:
County Durham
County Durham County Council focuses on rural development, heritage preservation, and providing comprehensive public services to enhance residents' quality of life in this picturesque region.
Gateshead
Gateshead Council manages an urban area, focusing on urban regeneration, cultural enrichment, and providing extensive public services to support its diverse population.
Northumberland
Northumberland County Council is committed to coastal management, rural development, and providing high-quality public services to enhance residents' quality of life in this scenic county.
GDP (Gross Domestic Product)
Economic Output
GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the total economic output of a country, region, or Local Authority. It tells us how much money is being made within a particular area. This includes everything from a business selling cars or consumers getting their hair cut.
This list of the Local Authorities within the Durham (DH) postcode town gives us a snapshot of how much money is being generated at current market prices, based on what people are spending and earning. It's an important way to understand the economic health and activity levels across the UK.
For comparison purposes, we've included the top and bottom two local authorities across the UK in terms of GDP.
Local Authority
GDP (£)
GDP trends over time
The graph below shows the total GDP values for all Local Authorities within the Durham (DH) area:
When we talk about GDP at current market prices, we're looking at the total value of all goods and services produced in an area, but the key bit here is "current market prices." This means it includes the value of goods and services as they're bought and sold right now, without adjusting for inflation or changes in prices over time.
So, for example a figure of £1,905 GDP means that, on average, each person within an area contributes this amount to the UK economy each year.
Republished from the ONS regional gross domestic product: local authorities under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Latest available data: April 2022.
Education
Highest Rated Schools in DH
As rated by Ofsted
- Durham Johnston Comprehensive School
Crossgate Moor, Durham, DH1 4SU
Secondary School (11-18)Outstanding - Barnwell Academy
Whitefield Estate, Houghton le Spring, DH4 7RT
Primary School (3-11)Outstanding - Bernard Gilpin Primary School
Hall Lane, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8DA
Primary School (5-11)Outstanding - Lumley Infant and Nursery School
Great Lumley, Chester le Street, DH3 4JL
Primary School (3-7)Outstanding - Framwellgate Moor Primary School
Newton Drive, Durham, DH1 5BG
Primary School (2-11)Outstanding - Ravensworth Terrace Primary School
Mount Pleasant Road, Chester le Street, DH3 1AY
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - St Margaret's Church of England Primary School
Crossgate Peth, Durham, DH1 4QB
Primary School (4-11)Good - St Hild's College Church of England Aided Primary School, Durham
Renny's Lane, Durham, DH1 2HZ
Primary School (2-11)Good - Lanchester Endowed Parochial Primary School
Front Street, Durham, DH7 0HU
Primary School (3-11)Good - Blue Coat CofE (Aided) Junior School
Langley Road, Durham, DH1 5LP
Primary School (7-11)Good
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