Lees on the map

Lees built-up area

Built-up area2.7 km² (1.0 sq mi)

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

45,383
Population
17,105
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£43,204
Avg. household income
1,247
Businesses
2,855
People per km²
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About Lees

Lees is a village located in Greater Manchester, England, within the OL4 postcode area. It is situated close to the larger town of Ashton-under-Lyne and offers a mix of residential areas and local amenities. The village has a range of shops, pubs, and restaurants that cater to the daily needs of its residents.

The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including walking and cycling. Lees is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to access nearby towns and cities. The village has a community spirit, with various events and activities taking place throughout the year, fostering a sense of belonging among its inhabitants.

School Ratings in Lees

Families in Lees have access to 225 local schools. Glodwick Infant and Nursery School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Lees

Homes sell for an average of £187K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £126K.

Deprivation and Employment in Lees

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Lees within the more deprived parts of England. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Lees

There are 53 GP surgeries within three miles of Lees, the nearest being Leesbrook Surgery (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 5,039 sales

Average Price £187K
£100 , £3.15M
Detached £378K 672
Semi £210K 1,262
Terraced £126K 2,605
Flat £147K 152

Household Income in Lees ONS 2023

The average total household income in Lees is approximately £43,204 a year before tax, 22% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,147. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Lees £43,204
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,147.

Businesses in Lees ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,247 active businesses based in Lees, around 27 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 7 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,247 Total businesses
27 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Lees IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Lees 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
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
4/10
Health
3/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 24%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 15%
10,725 Children (0-15) 24%
27,793 Working Age 61%
6,870 Older (65+) 15%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 47.1% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 30.7% 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

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Mossley (Manchester) Train Station 1.9 miles
Greenfield Train Station 2.3 miles
Ashton-Under-Lyne Train Station 3.3 miles
Stalybridge Train Station 3.7 miles
Mills Hill (Manchester) Train Station 4.2 miles
Moston Train Station 4.3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Oldham
Ward Alexandra
Constituency Oldham East and Saddleworth
Parish Oldham, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Lees

Of the 16,683 households in and around Lees, 64% are owned, 17% are socially rented and 19% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 64% Social rented 17% Private rented 19%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Lees

What is the population of Lees?
Lees has a population of approximately 45,383 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Lees?
The average property in and around Lees sold for about £186,651, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 47% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Lees a deprived area?
Lees sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 3 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Lees?
Lees is covered by the OL4 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Lees?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Lees, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Lees?
The nearest railway station to Lees is Mossley (Manchester) Train Station, about 1.9 miles away.