Bedford on the map
Location in Greater ManchesterBedford sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Bedford
Bedford is a residential area located in the town of Wigan, within the county of Greater Manchester, England. It lies within the WN7 postcode area and is situated close to the River Douglas. The area is primarily made up of housing developments, with a mix of terraced and semi-detached homes, and is well served by local amenities including shops, schools, and community centres. Public transport links are available via nearby bus routes and the Wigan Wallgate railway station, which provides connections to Manchester and other nearby towns. The surrounding landscape features open green spaces and walking paths along the river, offering residents opportunities for recreation. Bedford is part of a wider urban area that has seen significant development over recent decades, contributing to its role as a commuter community within Greater Manchester.
School Ratings in Bedford
Bedford is served by 155 schools. Leigh St John's CofE Primary is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 15 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Bedford
Property prices average £407K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £505K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bedford
Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Bedford, with 280 incidents logged in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Bedford
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Bedford falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.
Healthcare in Bedford
There are 37 GP surgeries within three miles of Bedford, the nearest being Addaction Wigan & Leigh (leigh) (0.8 miles away).
Local Data for Bedford
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Property Prices 34,602 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the WN7 postcode area.
Household Income in Bedford ONS 2023
The average total household income in Bedford is approximately £63,265 a year before tax, 14% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £45,864. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £45,864.
Businesses in Bedford ONS 2025
There are approximately 10,102 active businesses based in Bedford, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 191 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Bedford IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Bedford in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.
Crime in Bedford 1,620 crimes · May 2026
Bedford experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Violence & sexual offences is the most reported category, consistent with broader patterns across similar communities. Day-to-day life here reflects the usual mix of challenges found in any established city.
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 Bedford
Of the 100,016 households in and around Bedford, 68% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Bedford.