In 2011, Census data for the City of Sunderland ward of Washington West recorded a total population of 11,833.

[2] The village has retained much character, according to Rightmove the average sold price in the year up to October 2021 was £167,565.

It has a mix of small private estates situated in the centre, social housing at the eastern and western extremities, and south alongside a large proportion of individual properties and small stone terrace cottages, built of local, low quality stone, a style typical within the village.

Formerly a part of County Durham, the postal address is Gateshead, with the village now situated in the City of Sunderland.

In terms of secondary education, students attend the nearby Cardinal Hume Catholic School in Wrekenton, rated "outstanding" by Ofsted in January 2014,[7] as well as Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy in Birtley, and St. Robert of Newminster Catholic School in Fatfield.

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