Town comparison
Birtley vs Chester-le-Street
Which is better to live in? 2.7 miles apart — compared on house prices, crime, schools, broadband and more.
The verdict
When it comes to cost of living, Birtley wins on house prices with a 0% gap. Chester Le Street has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Birtley edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Birtley
£184,121
Chester-le-Street
£184,121
Crime Rate
Birtley
89.8
Chester-le-Street
89.4
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Birtley
100.0%
Chester-le-Street
100.0%
Avg Download Speed
Birtley
406.6
Chester-le-Street
406.6
EPC Rating
Birtley
71.8
Chester-le-Street
71.8
Median Income
Birtley
£28,058
Chester-le-Street
£28,058
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in North EastProperty in Chester Le Street commands an average of £184,121, compared with £184,121 in Birtley – a difference of 0%. The most affordable entry point in Birtley is a flat at £68,516, while in Chester Le Street it is a flat at £68,516.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 0% pricier in Birtley (£303,034 vs £303,034).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Birtley prices grew faster — 29% vs 29%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in North EastResidents of Chester Le Street experience less crime overall, with a rate of 89.4 per 1,000 versus 89.8 per 1,000 in Birtley. The most common crime category in Birtley is violent-crime, while in Chester Le Street 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 Birtley, where 100% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 100% in Chester Le Street. There are 7 schools in Birtley and 8 in Chester Le Street.
Birtley School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 7 schools (6 primary, 1 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Chester-le-Street School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 8 schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Birtley | Chester-le-Street |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 7 | 8 |
| Primary | 6 | 6 |
| Secondary | 1 | 2 |
| % Top two bands | 100% | 100% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 406.6 Mbps in Birtley and 406.6 Mbps in Chester Le Street. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 94.8% of premises in Birtley and 94.8% in Chester Le Street. Gigabit availability stands at 78.4% in Birtley and 78.4% in Chester Le Street.
Birtley is the faster of the two by 0% on average download speed (407 vs 407 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Birtley leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 71.8 (C), while Chester Le Street averages 71.8 (C). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,117 in Birtley and £1,117 in Chester Le Street. 69.2% of homes in Birtley have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 69.2% in Chester Le Street.
Birtley has more energy-efficient housing — 69.2% reach band C or above, vs 69.2% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £28,058.3 in Birtley and £28,058.3 in Chester Le Street. The median age is 44.5 in Birtley and 44.5 in Chester Le Street. Owner-occupancy is 59.5% in Birtley versus 59.5% in Chester Le Street. Employment rates stand at 52.4% in Birtley and 52.4% in Chester Le Street.
| Indicator | Birtley | Chester-le-Street |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 13,840 | 23,554 |
| Median Age | 44.5 | 44.5 |
| Median Household Income | £28,058.3 | £28,058.3 |
| Employment Rate | 52.4% | 52.4% |
| Owner Occupied | 59.5% | 59.5% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 26.4% | 26.4% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Birtley and Chester Le Street?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Birtley or Chester Le Street?
Is Birtley or Chester Le Street safer?
Which has better schools, Birtley or Chester Le Street?
Which has faster broadband, Birtley or Chester Le Street?
Keep exploring