Macclesfield Forest on the map

Location in CheshireMacclesfield Forest sits where the marker shows within the county.

35,503
Population
16,637
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£48,782
Avg. household income
1,684
Businesses
241
People per km²
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About Macclesfield Forest

Macclesfield Forest is located in Cheshire, England, within the SK11 postcode area. This large expanse of woodland offers a variety of walking trails suitable for different skill levels. The forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bicycle, with paths that wind through the trees and alongside reservoirs.

The forest is also a popular destination for picnicking and relaxation. Facilities include picnic areas and information boards that provide details about the local wildlife and plant life. Additionally, the nearby visitor centre offers resources for those wishing to learn more about the environment and the activities available in the area. Macclesfield Forest is a great place to unwind and appreciate the natural surroundings.

School Ratings in Macclesfield Forest

There are 29 schools in and around Macclesfield Forest. Ash Grove Academy and The Fermain Academy are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Macclesfield Forest

The average property price is £302K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £196K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Macclesfield Forest

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Shoplifting is prevalent across Macclesfield Forest, with 42 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Macclesfield Forest

Macclesfield Forest sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Property Prices 6,421 sales

Average Price £302K
£500 , £10.26M
Detached £470K 1,375
Semi £270K 1,562
Terraced £196K 2,510
Flat £138K 517

Household Income in Macclesfield Forest ONS 2023

The average total household income in Macclesfield Forest is approximately £48,782 a year before tax, 12% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £37,256. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Macclesfield Forest £48,782
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £37,256.

Businesses in Macclesfield Forest ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,684 active businesses based in Macclesfield Forest, around 47 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 22 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,684 Total businesses
47 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Macclesfield Forest IMD 2025

Macclesfield Forest sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
6/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 22%
5,845 Children (0-15) 16%
21,908 Working Age 62%
7,743 Older (65+) 22%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 20.7% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.7% 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 Macclesfield Forest 337 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Macclesfield Forest sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.

Violence & Sexual Offences 143
Shoplifting 42
Anti-Social Behaviour 40
Public Order 34
Drugs 16
Criminal Damage & Arson 14
Other Theft 14
Vehicle Crime 13
Burglary 6
Other Crime 6
Weapons 4
Robbery 4
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Cheshire Macclesfield East and Sutton 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

Buxton Train Station 5.3 miles
Prestbury Train Station 5.4 miles
Whaley Bridge Train Station 6 miles
Adlington (Cheshire) Train Station 6.2 miles
Chapel-En-Le-Frith Train Station 6.8 miles
Dove Holes Train Station 7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Cheshire East
County Staffordshire
Ward Sutton
Constituency Macclesfield
Parish Rainow
Region North West

Home Ownership in Macclesfield Forest

Of the 16,333 households in and around Macclesfield Forest, 67% are owned, 17% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 67% Social rented 17% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Macclesfield Forest

What is the population of Macclesfield Forest?
Macclesfield Forest has a population of approximately 35,503 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Macclesfield Forest?
The average property in and around Macclesfield Forest sold for about £301,630, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 14% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Macclesfield Forest a deprived area?
Macclesfield Forest 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 Macclesfield Forest?
Macclesfield Forest is covered by the SK11 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Macclesfield Forest?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Macclesfield Forest, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Macclesfield Forest?
The nearest railway station to Macclesfield Forest is Buxton Train Station, about 5.3 miles away.