Birchwood on the map

Location in CheshireBirchwood sits where the marker shows within the county.

49,785
Population
19,989
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£50,716
Avg. household income
2,057
Businesses
770
People per km²
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About Birchwood

Birchwood is a residential area located in the county of Cheshire, within the wider region of England. It falls within the WA3 postcode area, which serves the surrounding towns and villages. The locality is known for its mix of modern housing developments and established neighbourhoods, offering a range of family homes and community facilities. The area is well-connected by road, with access to the A556 and M56 motorway, making it convenient for commuting to nearby cities such as Manchester and Chester. Birchwood benefits from local amenities including schools, shops, and green spaces, contributing to a settled and accessible environment. It is situated close to the River Weaver, providing opportunities for walking and recreational activities. The community is diverse and well-integrated, with a strong sense of local identity.

School Ratings in Birchwood

Families in Birchwood have access to 130 local schools. All Saints Catholic Primary School, Golborne, Wigan and Golborne High School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 14 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Birchwood

Homes sell for an average of £262K locally. Most of the housing is made up of semi-detached homes, averaging £206K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Birchwood

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Birchwood, with 7 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Birchwood

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Birchwood around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Birchwood

There are 27 GP surgeries within three miles of Birchwood, the nearest being Birchwood Medical Centre (0.5 miles away).

Property Prices 7,401 sales

Average Price £262K
£1 , £17.1M
Detached £346K 2,436
Semi £206K 2,803
Terraced £152K 1,428
Flat £113K 366

Household Income in Birchwood ONS 2023

The average total household income in Birchwood is approximately £50,716 a year before tax, 8% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £37,424. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Birchwood £50,716
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £37,424.

Businesses in Birchwood ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,057 active businesses based in Birchwood, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 84% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 81 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,057 Total businesses
41 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 84%
Small, 10-49 11%
Medium, 50-249 3%
Large, 250+ 2%

Deprivation and Employment in Birchwood IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Birchwood are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
6/10
Employment
5/10
Education
6/10
Health
5/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 21%
8,538 Children (0-15) 17%
30,768 Working Age 62%
10,482 Older (65+) 21%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 27.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 17.6% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Birchwood 48 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Birchwood are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 23
Anti-Social Behaviour 7
Shoplifting 7
Public Order 4
Criminal Damage & Arson 2
Other Crime 2
Burglary 1
Other Theft 1
Weapons 1
Local Policing
Cheshire Birchwood Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Birchwood Train Station 0.6 miles
Padgate Train Station 1.2 miles
Warrington Central Train Station 3 miles
Glazebrook Train Station 3.2 miles
Newton-Le-Willows Train Station 4 miles
Irlam Train Station 4.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Wigan
Ward Lowton East
Constituency Leigh
Parish Wigan, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Birchwood

Of the 21,438 households in and around Birchwood, 72% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 72% Social rented 15% Private rented 13%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Birchwood.

Frequently Asked Questions about Birchwood

What is the population of Birchwood?
Birchwood has a population of approximately 49,785 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Birchwood?
The average property in and around Birchwood sold for about £261,678, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 25% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Birchwood a deprived area?
Birchwood sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Birchwood?
Birchwood is covered by the WA3 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Birchwood?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Birchwood, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Birchwood?
The nearest railway station to Birchwood is Birchwood Train Station, about 0.6 miles away.