In 2011, Census data for the Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council ward of Heworth and Pelaw recorded a total population of 9,100.

The area saw an economic upturn at the end of the nineteenth century, when the Co-Operative Wholesale Society (CWS) opened its vast and extensive string of factories along Shields Road.

The ward is split into three distinct districts: 52.2% of the population are female, slightly above the national average, while 47.8% are male.

In terms of secondary education, Bill Quay is located within the catchment area for Heworth Grange School in Leam Lane.

[18] As of April 2020, the ward is served by three councillors: Ian Patterson, John Paul Dilston and Rosy Oxberry.

Bill Quay is served by Go North East's frequent Crusader 27 service, which runs up to every 10 minutes from Newcastle, Gateshead and Heworth to Hebburn, Jarrow and South Shields.

[22] Heworth is the nearest rail station, with Northern Trains providing an hourly service along the Durham Coast Line.

[24] It used to play host to Chickenstock, an annual showcase festival for local Gateshead based bands.