Greater Manchester spans about 1,266 km² (489 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester is a metropolitan county in North West England, shaped by its industrial past, dense urban areas and surrounding towns. It developed from a group of closely connected settlements that grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, particularly through textile manufacturing, engineering and trade. While largely urban in character, the county also includes green spaces, canals and pockets of open land that soften its built environment.
The county is made up of ten boroughs, including Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Stockport and Oldham, each with its own history and local identity. Manchester itself acts as the main cultural and economic centre, while neighbouring towns developed around mills, factories and transport links. Today, Greater Manchester supports a diverse economy, with employment across business, education, health, media and creative industries.
Despite its size and population, Greater Manchester offers access to parks, waterways and nearby countryside, with areas such as river valleys and former industrial routes now used for walking and cycling. Strong community identities remain an important feature across the boroughs, shaped by local history and shared experience. Overall, Greater Manchester presents a steady mix of urban life, industrial heritage and modern regeneration, giving it a distinctive and evolving role within England.
Greater Manchester at a Glance
House Prices in Greater Manchester
The average sold price in Greater Manchester is £262,498 across 88,111 recorded sales, making it the 36th most expensive of 69 counties.
Source: HM Land Registry Price Paid Data. Figures are averages of recorded sales.
People & Demographics
Age structure
Housing tenure
Source: ONS Census 2021 and model-based income estimates.
Schools in Greater Manchester 1,157
Ofsted ratings
Outstanding-rated schools
Source: Department for Education and Ofsted.
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are houses in Greater Manchester?
The average sold price in Greater Manchester is around £262,498. A detached home averages £399,608, a terraced home £170,970 and a flat £191,119.
What is the population of Greater Manchester?
Greater Manchester has a population of about 2,864,829 people, at a density of 2,263 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Greater Manchester?
The average household income in Greater Manchester is around £45,419 a year.
How many schools are there in Greater Manchester?
There are 1,157 schools in Greater Manchester.
Largest Towns in Greater Manchester 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Greater Manchester stretches from 43 ft at Warburton up to 1,204 ft at Old Tame, a span of 1,161 ft across 655 towns and villages. This reflects dramatic upland terrain, with a substantial climb from the lowest to the highest places.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 89 postcode areas in Greater Manchester. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Greater Manchester 60
Greater Manchester has 655 towns, villages and localities in total. The main towns are shown below. You can also browse the full A to Z of every place in Greater Manchester.
Postcode Areas in Greater Manchester 6
Greater Manchester is served by 6 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.