About Widnes

Widnes is a town located in Cheshire, England, within the WA8 postcode area. It lies on the banks of the River Mersey and is part of the metropolitan borough of Halton. The town has a mix of residential and industrial areas, reflecting its historical significance in the chemical and manufacturing industries. Widnes is well-connected by road and rail, making it accessible for visitors and residents alike. The town features several parks and recreational areas, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Widnes also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and local amenities to cater to the needs of its community. Notable landmarks include the iconic Silver Jubilee Bridge, which links Widnes to the town of Runcorn, and the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, which offers interactive exhibits related to science and technology.

School Ratings in Widnes

There are 142 schools in and around Widnes. St Bede's Catholic Infant School, Ashley High School, Riverside College Halton and Wade Deacon High School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 23 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Widnes

The average property price is £195K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £121K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Widnes

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Public order is prevalent across Widnes, with 41 recorded incidents in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Widnes

Widnes 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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Widnes

Broadband speeds in Widnes are generally strong, with superfast and ultrafast options widely available. Mobile coverage across 4G and 5G networks is reliable throughout most of the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 7,734 sales

Average Price £195K
£375 £12.7M
Detached £310K 1,606
Semi £181K 2,457
Terraced £121K 2,709
Flat £92K 559

Deprivation and Employment in Widnes IMD 2025

Widnes 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
5/10
Income
5/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
3/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
6/10
13,049 Children (0-15) 19%
43,093 Working Age 62%
18,093 Older (60+) 26%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 36.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 20.7% 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 Widnes 401 crimes · January 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Widnes sit broadly in line with national averages for a town of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

195 Violence & Sexual Offences
41 Public Order
35 Anti-Social Behaviour
32 Drugs
22 Shoplifting
21 Other Theft
20 Criminal Damage & Arson
9 Burglary
9 Vehicle Crime
8 Other Crime
4 Weapons
3 Bicycle Theft
2 Robbery
Local Policing
Cheshire Appleton - Widnes 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

Widnes Train Station 1 miles
Hough Green Train Station 1.9 miles
Sankey For Penketh Train Station 3.8 miles
Runcorn East Train Station 3.9 miles
Rainhill Train Station 3.9 miles
Halewood Train Station 4.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Halton
Ward Halton View
Constituency Halton
Parish Halton, unparished area
Region North West

Notable & Famous People from Widnes 9 people

Alfred Young
Mathematician
British mathematician and rector of Birdbrook (1873–1940)
Bobbie Goulding
Rugby league player
English rugby league footballer and coach
Charles Glover Barkla
Physicist
English physicist (1877-1944)
Derek Twigg
Politician
British politician (born 1959)
Jack Ashley, Baron Ashley of Stoke
Politician
British politician (1922-2012)
Janet Young, Baroness Young
Politician
British politician (1926-2002)
Michael Hastings, Baron Hastings of Scarisbrick
Politician
British peer (born 1958)
Michael Kenna
Photographer
British photographer (born 1953)
Paul Sherwen
Sporting director
English racing cyclist and journalist (1956–2018)