Gale on the map

Location in Greater ManchesterGale sits where the marker shows within the county.

13,902
Population
6,286
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£45,850
Avg. household income
510
Businesses
431
People per km²
Create a free area profile for GaleDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Gale

Gale is a small locality situated in Greater Manchester, England, within the OL15 postcode area. It is primarily a residential area, offering a mix of housing options that cater to various needs. The surrounding landscape features a blend of urban and green spaces, providing residents with access to local parks and recreational areas.

The community is served by essential amenities, including shops and schools, making it a convenient place for families. Public transport links are available, connecting Gale to nearby towns and the wider Greater Manchester region. This accessibility enhances the area’s appeal for those commuting for work or leisure. Overall, Gale presents a straightforward living environment with the necessary facilities for everyday life.

School Ratings in Gale

Gale is served by 89 schools. A further 2 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Gale

Property prices average £210K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £155K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Gale

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages.

Deprivation and Employment in Gale

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Gale 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 Gale

There are 6 GP surgeries within three miles of Gale, the nearest being The Village Medical Ctr. (0.9 miles away).

Property Prices 2,416 sales

Average Price £210K
£255 , £4.45M
Detached £343K 409
Semi £208K 715
Terraced £155K 973
Flat £130K 128

Household Income in Gale ONS 2023

The average total household income in Gale is approximately £45,850 a year before tax, 17% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,376. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Gale £45,850
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,376.

Businesses in Gale ONS 2025

There are approximately 510 active businesses based in Gale, around 37 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 10 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

510 Total businesses
37 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Gale IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Gale 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.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
5/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
4/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 22%
2,354 Children (0-15) 17%
8,442 Working Age 61%
3,106 Older (65+) 22%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 36.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 24.2% 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 Gale 2 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Gale falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring small town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 2
Local Policing
Greater Manchester Littleborough Lakeside 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

Littleborough Train Station 1 miles
Smithy Bridge Train Station 1.9 miles
Walsden Train Station 2.8 miles
Todmorden Train Station 4.2 miles
Rochdale Train Station 4.2 miles
Castleton (Manchester) Train Station 5.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Rochdale
Ward Littleborough Lakeside
Constituency Rochdale
Parish Rochdale, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Gale

Of the 6,201 households in and around Gale, 74% are owned, 8% are socially rented and 19% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 74% Social rented 8% Private rented 19%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Gale.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gale

What is the population of Gale?
Gale has a population of approximately 13,902 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Gale?
The average property in and around Gale sold for about £210,472, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 40% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Gale a deprived area?
Gale sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Gale?
Gale is covered by the OL15 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Gale?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Gale, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Gale?
The nearest railway station to Gale is Littleborough Train Station, about 1 miles away.