Bolton on the map
Location in Greater ManchesterBolton sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Bolton
Bolton is a town in Greater Manchester, England, located within the BL3 postcode area. It lies approximately 12 miles north of Manchester city centre and has a long history as a centre for textile manufacturing, particularly cotton. The town features a mix of industrial heritage and modern developments, with several parks and open spaces providing recreational areas for residents. Bolton is well connected by road and rail, making it accessible for commuters and visitors alike. The town centre includes a range of shops, cafes, and cultural venues, including the historic Bolton Town Hall and the Bolton Museum. It is also home to a number of educational institutions and community facilities. The surrounding area includes residential neighbourhoods and green spaces, contributing to a balanced urban environment.
School Ratings in Bolton
Families in Bolton have access to 230 local schools. St Mary's CofE Primary School, Deane and Rumworth School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 23 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Bolton
Homes sell for an average of £212K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £132K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bolton
Crime in the area is lower than the national average.
Deprivation and Employment in Bolton
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Bolton within the more deprived parts of England. A higher proportion of working-age residents face employment challenges compared to the national picture. A larger share of residents live on lower incomes compared to the wider national picture.
Healthcare in Bolton
There are 75 GP surgeries within three miles of Bolton, the nearest being Pre Op Assessment Clinic (0.2 miles away).
Local Data for Bolton
Dig deeper into the area around Bolton with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 37,283 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the BL3 postcode area.
Household Income in Bolton ONS 2023
The average total household income in Bolton is approximately £43,035 a year before tax, 22% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £32,683. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £32,683.
Businesses in Bolton ONS 2025
There are approximately 10,829 active businesses based in Bolton, around 36 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 183 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Bolton IMD 2025
According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Bolton experiences higher levels of deprivation than much of England. Employment and income indicators fall below the national average, though the area benefits from targeted regeneration and community support programmes.
Crime in Bolton 2 crimes · April 2026
Crime levels in Bolton 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 city where serious incidents remain uncommon.
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 Bolton
Of the 119,092 households in and around Bolton, 62% are owned, 20% are socially rented and 18% 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 Bolton.