Heywood on the map

Heywood built-up area

Built-up area7.9 km² (3.1 sq mi)

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

27,562
Population
12,257
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£39,817
Avg. household income
1,059
Businesses
1,439
People per km²
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About Heywood

Heywood is a town located in Greater Manchester, England, within the OL10 postcode area. It is situated approximately five miles north of Manchester city centre and is part of the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale. The town has a mix of residential and commercial areas, with various shops, schools, and local amenities available to residents and visitors alike.

The area features several parks and green spaces, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure. Heywood also has a number of historical buildings, reflecting its development over the years. The town is well-connected by public transport, making it accessible for those travelling to and from nearby cities. Overall, Heywood offers a blend of community life and convenience, appealing to families and individuals seeking a suburban environment.

School Ratings in Heywood

Heywood is served by 241 schools. Derby Street Children's Centre and All Souls Church of England Primary School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Heywood

Property prices average £211K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £127K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Heywood

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages.

Deprivation and Employment in Heywood

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Heywood falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. The area sees higher levels of employment deprivation, with more residents excluded from the labour market. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in Heywood

There are 40 GP surgeries within three miles of Heywood, the nearest being Lancs House Urology (0.1 miles away).

Property Prices 4,045 sales

Average Price £211K
£110 , £61M
Detached £317K 529
Semi £190K 1,020
Terraced £127K 1,933
Flat £103K 221

Household Income in Heywood ONS 2023

The average total household income in Heywood is approximately £39,817 a year before tax, 28% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £31,295. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Heywood £39,817
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £31,295.

Businesses in Heywood ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,059 active businesses based in Heywood, around 38 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 86% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 23 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,059 Total businesses
38 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 86%
Small, 10-49 12%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Heywood IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Heywood 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
4/10
Employment
3/10
Education
4/10
Health
3/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 17%
5,847 Children (0-15) 21%
16,971 Working Age 62%
4,728 Older (65+) 17%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 45.6% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 22.6% 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 Heywood 1 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Heywood 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 town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 1
Local Policing
Greater Manchester North Heywood 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

Castleton (Manchester) Train Station 1.7 miles
Rochdale Train Station 3 miles
Mills Hill (Manchester) Train Station 3.7 miles
Moston Train Station 5.1 miles
Smithy Bridge Train Station 5.3 miles
Littleborough Train Station 6.1 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Heywood

Of the 11,917 households in and around Heywood, 57% are owned, 24% are socially rented and 19% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 57% Social rented 24% Private rented 19%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Heywood

What is the population of Heywood?
Heywood has a population of approximately 27,562 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Heywood?
The average property in and around Heywood sold for about £210,576, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 40% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Heywood a deprived area?
Heywood 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 Heywood?
Heywood is covered by the OL10 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Heywood?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Heywood, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Heywood?
The nearest railway station to Heywood is Castleton (Manchester) Train Station, about 1.7 miles away.