Backworth vs Gateshead
Which is better to live in? Distance: 7.0 miles apart.
The verdict
When it comes to cost of living, Gateshead wins on house prices with a 63% gap. Backworth has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Backworth edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Backworth
£278,446
Gateshead
£171,195
Crime Rate
Backworth
81.9
Gateshead
89.9
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Backworth
100.0%
Gateshead
96.7%
Avg Download Speed
Backworth
445.7
Gateshead
413.6
EPC Rating
Backworth
72
Gateshead
70.6
Median Income
Backworth
£30,205
Gateshead
£27,490
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in North EastProperty in Backworth commands an average of £278,446, compared with £171,195 in Gateshead – a difference of 63%. The most affordable entry point in Backworth is a terraced at £121,738, while in Gateshead it is a flat at £102,941.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: semi-detached homes are 32% pricier in Backworth (£236,775 vs £179,849).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Backworth prices grew faster — 31% vs 22%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in North EastResidents of Backworth experience less crime overall, with a rate of 81.9 per 1,000 versus 89.9 per 1,000 in Gateshead. The most common crime category in Backworth is violent-crime, while in Gateshead it is violent-crime.
Crime Rate by Category (per 1,000 residents)
Both towns share the same top crime category: violent crime.
Schools & Education
Best for schools in North EastFamilies may prefer Backworth, where 100% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 96.7% in Gateshead. There are 1 schools in Backworth and 41 in Gateshead.
Backworth School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 1 school (1 primary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Gateshead School Inspection Breakdown
96.7% of 41 schools (35 primary, 6 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Backworth | Gateshead |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 1 | 41 |
| Primary | 1 | 35 |
| Secondary | 0 | 6 |
| % Top two bands | 100% | 96.7% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 445.7 Mbps in Backworth and 413.6 Mbps in Gateshead. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 96.4% of premises in Backworth and 95.5% in Gateshead. Gigabit availability stands at 87.2% in Backworth and 77.3% in Gateshead.
Backworth is the faster of the two by 8% on average download speed (446 vs 414 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Backworth leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 72 (C), while Gateshead averages 70.6 (C). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,236 in Backworth and £1,103 in Gateshead. 68.8% of homes in Backworth have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 64.6% in Gateshead.
Backworth has more energy-efficient housing — 68.8% reach band C or above, vs 64.6% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £30,204.5 in Backworth and £27,490 in Gateshead. The median age is 46.2 in Backworth and 44.4 in Gateshead. Owner-occupancy is 64.5% in Backworth versus 58% in Gateshead. Employment rates stand at 54.5% in Backworth and 54.1% in Gateshead.
| Indicator | Backworth | Gateshead |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,483 | 114,825 |
| Median Age | 46.2 | 44.4 |
| Median Household Income | £30,204.5 | £27,490 |
| Employment Rate | 54.5% | 54.1% |
| Owner Occupied | 64.5% | 58% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 31.8% | 28% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
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