Leigh on the map
Location in Greater ManchesterLeigh sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Leigh
Leigh is a town located in Greater Manchester, England, within the WN7 postcode area. It has a rich industrial heritage, particularly known for its historical involvement in coal mining and textile manufacturing. The town features a mix of residential areas and local amenities, including shops, schools, and parks, which cater to the needs of its residents.
The town centre offers a variety of retail options, from independent shops to larger chain stores. Leigh is also home to several community facilities, including leisure centres and libraries. The local transport links are well-established, providing easy access to nearby cities such as Manchester and Wigan. Additionally, Leigh hosts a number of events throughout the year, fostering a sense of community among its residents.
School Ratings in Leigh
Leigh is served by 137 schools. Leigh St John's CofE Primary is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 15 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Leigh
Property prices average £176K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £117K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Leigh
Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in Leigh, with 1 incidents logged in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Leigh
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Leigh 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 Leigh
There are 39 GP surgeries within three miles of Leigh, the nearest being Wigan Home Treatment Team (0.1 miles away).
Local Data for Leigh
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Property Prices 8,162 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the WN7 postcode area.
Household Income in Leigh ONS 2023
The average total household income in Leigh is approximately £39,410 a year before tax, 29% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £31,156. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £31,156.
Businesses in Leigh ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,368 active businesses based in Leigh, around 27 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 21 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Leigh IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Leigh 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.
Crime in Leigh 1 crimes · April 2026
Reported crime in Leigh falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Shoplifting tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring town.
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 Leigh
Of the 22,196 households in and around Leigh, 60% are owned, 19% are socially rented and 21% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Leigh.