Atherton on the map
Built-up area5.7 km² (2.2 sq mi)
Location in Greater ManchesterAtherton sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Atherton
Atherton is a town located in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, within Greater Manchester, England. It lies approximately 12 miles west of Manchester city centre and is part of the historic county of Lancashire. The town has a long industrial heritage, particularly in cotton manufacturing, and retains a mix of Victorian and Edwardian architecture reflecting its past. Atherton is situated near the River Irwell and is bordered by areas such as Tyldesley and Hindley. The M46 postcode area covers the town and surrounding residential zones. Public transport links include rail services to Manchester and Wigan, as well as local bus routes. The town centre features a range of shops, cafes, and community facilities, serving the local population.
School Ratings in Atherton
There are 208 schools in and around Atherton. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Atherton
The average property price is £181K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £130K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Atherton
Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average.
Deprivation and Employment in Atherton
Atherton 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.
Healthcare in Atherton
There are 39 GP surgeries within three miles of Atherton, the nearest being Dr Kk Chan & Partners (0.2 miles away).
Local Data for Atherton
Dig deeper into the area around Atherton with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 3,587 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the M46 postcode area.
Household Income in Atherton ONS 2023
The average total household income in Atherton is approximately £39,531 a year before tax, 29% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £31,404. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £31,404.
Businesses in Atherton ONS 2025
There are approximately 636 active businesses based in Atherton, around 28 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 14 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Atherton IMD 2025
Atherton 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.
Crime in Atherton 1 crimes · May 2026
Atherton records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled town with a strong sense of community.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Atherton
Of the 10,211 households in and around Atherton, 63% are owned, 20% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Atherton.