[5] The district has an area of 2,226 square kilometres (859 sq mi), and contains 135 civil parishes.

The original eight districts were Chester-le-Street, Darlington, Derwentside, Durham (city), Easington, Sedgefield, Teesdale, and Wear Valley.

Settlements with town status include Consett, Barnard Castle, Peterlee, Seaham, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Shildon, Chester-le-Street, Crook, Stanley, Willington, Stanhope, Spennymoor, Ferryhill and Sedgefield while Durham is the only city in the district.

[10]: 54  The three largest industry groups[i] for jobs based in the district are education, health, and manufacturing,[10]: 57  while the three largest for businesses[ii] are construction, retail, and professional, scientific, and technical services.

[citation needed] Local TV coverage is provided by BBC North East and Cumbria and ITV Tyne Tees.