About Birch

Birch is a residential area located in the M24 postcode district of Greater Manchester, England. It lies within the wider metropolitan borough of Wigan, and is known for its mix of terraced housing and green spaces. The area is well-connected by road, with access to the M62 motorway and local bus routes serving nearby towns and cities. Birch is situated close to the River Irwell and benefits from proximity to the Pennine hills, offering opportunities for walking and outdoor recreation. The community is made up of a diverse population, with a range of local amenities including schools, shops, and places of worship. While not a major tourist destination, Birch provides a convenient base for those working in or visiting Greater Manchester.

School Ratings in Birch

Families in Birch have access to 336 local schools. Sunny Brow Nursery School and Bowlee Park Community Primary School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 13 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Birch

Homes sell for an average of £195K locally. Most of the housing is made up of semi-detached homes, averaging £194K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Birch

Crime in the area is lower than the national average.

Deprivation and Employment in Birch

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Birch around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Birch

Birch benefits from solid broadband infrastructure, including superfast and ultrafast services. Mobile reception across 4G and 5G is dependable in most locations. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 7,817 sales

Average Price £195K
£125 £14.25M
Detached £303K 974
Semi £194K 3,318
Terraced £136K 2,673
Flat £85K 503

Deprivation and Employment in Birch IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Birch are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
3/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
6/10
13,906 Children (0-15) 21%
39,934 Working Age 61%
15,438 Older (60+) 24%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 38.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 21.8% 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 Birch 1 crimes · January 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Birch are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

1 Violence & Sexual Offences
Local Policing
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

Mills Hill (Manchester) Train Station 2.4 miles
Castleton (Manchester) Train Station 2.6 miles
Moston Train Station 3.4 miles
Rochdale Train Station 4.2 miles
Clifton (Manchester) Train Station 4.9 miles
Salford Central Train Station 5.8 miles

Location

Local Government

District Rochdale
Ward South Middleton
Constituency Heywood and Middleton
Parish Rochdale, unparished area
Region North West