Middlesbrough named one of the unhealthiest places in UK

Middlesbrough has scored one of the lowest health index scores in the whole of the nation and faces "ongoing health challenges" according to a study.

The study, carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) scored Middlesbrough 80.2 overall based off metrics including disability, frailty, mental health conditions and suicides.

Commenting, healthcare company BIOHIT said: "Middlesbrough grapples with one of the lowest health scores in the nation, earning a rating of 80.2. Despite a slight improvement of 1 point over the previous year, this figure underscores ongoing health challenges.

"Notably, Middlesbrough’s score for number of deaths recorded overall in the year is the lowest indicator, with a concerning score of 69.5, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address underlying health determinants and improve overall well-being."

Comparatively, the region's highest score came from Northumberland with 100.9 - with County Durham given a mark of 95.7.

Take a look at our interactive map to see where the healthiest and unhealthiest areas are in the region.

Overall, the region combined scored an overall score of 93.8 - which is the lowest in the whole of the UK.

But, the town with the lowest overall score was Blackpool - with 76.5.

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Other studies have this year Middlesbrough as being the worst affected for child poverty in the region.

A report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), using figures published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on households below average income between 2019-22, shows the Teesside town has a child poverty rate of 41 per cent – the highest of any in the North East.

Meanwhile, the North East’s child poverty rate sits at 35 per cent – a figure 4 per cent higher than England, and 6 per cent higher than the UK average.