Manchester on the map
Built-up area74.8 km² (28.9 sq mi)
Location in Greater ManchesterManchester sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Manchester
Manchester, located in Greater Manchester, England, is a city known for its significant contributions to industry and culture. The city played a pivotal role during the Industrial Revolution, becoming a centre for textile manufacturing. Today, it is recognised for its diverse economy, which includes sectors such as finance, technology, and education. The city is home to several universities and a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries and theatres.
In addition to its industrial heritage, Manchester offers a variety of shopping and dining options. The city centre features a mix of modern and historic architecture, with landmarks such as the John Rylands Library and the Manchester Town Hall. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the presence of Manchester United and Manchester City football clubs, both of which have large followings. Overall, Manchester is a dynamic city with much to explore and experience.
School Ratings in Manchester
Families in Manchester have access to 433 local schools. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Manchester
Homes sell for an average of £291K locally. Most of the housing is made up of semi-detached homes, averaging £261K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Manchester
Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Manchester, with 15 incidents recorded in June 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Manchester
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Manchester around the national average for deprivation. Working-age employment in the area is well above the national average. Residents in the area generally earn above the national average.
Healthcare in Manchester
There are 104 GP surgeries within three miles of Manchester, the nearest being Omnes Healthcare Ltd (158 yards away).
A closer look at Manchester
Manchester fills the southern Lancashire plain, a city whose postcode reach extends from the skyscrapers of Deansgate to the Victorian terraces of Gorton and the leafier edges of Didsbury. From the M3 5 spine outward, the M1, M12, M14 and other districts knit together a population of 1,170,544 people.
Those residents are packed into an urban fabric of 457,864 households, giving a density of about 3,129 people per square kilometre, far higher than the regional average. What sets Manchester apart is the relative financial strength of its working households: an average income of £45,298 a year, a figure that lifts the city’s economic profile above many northern neighbours.
Earning Power Versus the Cost of a Roof
That income stream flows into a housing market where the average sold price stands at £263,041. A semi-detached home, the traditional family choice, typically costs £289,764, while the classic red-brick terraced house, still so common in districts like M13 and M16, comes at a more accessible £220,299. Flats, often concentrated around the M3 postcode, sell for an average of £225,970.
A Sharp Climb to a Detached Home
For those seeking space, the jump is dramatic. The average detached property commands £416,654, a sum that reflects both the scarcity of such homes in inner Manchester and the premium on gardens and off-street parking. This tier is the preserve of established earners in districts like M20, where higher incomes and larger plots coincide.
The Mosaic of Manchester Postcodes
Beneath the averages, the postcode geography tells a nuanced story. The M3 and M1 districts hold the city’s commercial core and some of its priciest new-build apartments, while M11, M12 and M18 remain strongholds of terraced and semi-detached stock that underpin the city’s affordable entry points. With 457,864 households spread across this diverse landscape, Manchester’s housing market is a mirror of its ambition and its history.
Explore Manchester with our data tools
Free tools that work on any Manchester postcode, from house prices and council tax bands to schools and local services.
Property Prices 146,307 sales
Schools & Education 433 within 5 miles View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the M3 postcode area.
Household Income in Manchester ONS 2023
The average total household income in Manchester is approximately £45,298 a year before tax, 18% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £34,701. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £34,701.
Businesses in Manchester ONS 2025
There are approximately 44,793 active businesses based in Manchester, around 38 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 1,011 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Manchester IMD 2025
Deprivation levels in Manchester are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.
Crime in Manchester 103 crimes · June 2026
Crime levels in Manchester are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure city where serious incidents remain uncommon.
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 Manchester
Of the 478,218 households in and around Manchester, 52% are owned, 24% are socially rented and 24% 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 Manchester.