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 £206K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £128K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bolton

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Bolton, with 2 incidents recorded in January 2026.

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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Bolton

Bolton 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 38,571 sales

Average Price £206K
£100 £31M
Detached £351K 6,529
Semi £186K 11,343
Terraced £128K 15,570
Flat £111K 2,937

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.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
3/10
Employment
3/10
Education
3/10
Health
4/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
4/10
21,437 Children (0-15) 24%
52,915 Working Age 60%
16,907 Older (60+) 19%
Below Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 52.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 33% 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 Bolton 3 crimes · January 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Bolton are lower than the England and Wales average. While anti-social behaviour is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure city where serious incidents remain uncommon.

2 Anti-Social Behaviour
1 Violence & Sexual Offences
Local Policing
Greater Manchester Bolton Town Centre Visit force website →
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

Bolton Train Station 0.3 miles
Hall-I-Th-Wood Train Station 1.8 miles
Farnworth Train Station 2.4 miles
Kearsley (Manchester) Train Station 3 miles
Bromley Cross (Lancs) Train Station 3 miles
Atherton Train Station 3.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Bolton
Ward Great Lever
Constituency Bolton South East
Parish Bolton, unparished area
Region North West