Oldham on the map
Built-up area16.2 km² (6.3 sq mi)
Location in Greater ManchesterOldham sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Oldham
Oldham is a town located in Greater Manchester, England, with the postcode area OL8. It has a strong industrial heritage, particularly known for its role in the textile industry during the 19th century. The town centre features a mix of modern shops and traditional markets, providing a variety of shopping options for residents and visitors alike. Oldham is also home to several parks and green spaces, offering areas for leisure and outdoor activities.
Cultural attractions in Oldham include the Oldham Coliseum Theatre, which hosts a range of performances throughout the year, and the Gallery Oldham, showcasing local art and exhibitions. The town has a diverse community and hosts various events that reflect this multiculturalism. Public transport links are well-established, making it accessible for those travelling to and from nearby cities.
School Ratings in Oldham
Families in Oldham have access to 304 local schools. New Bridge School and Hollinwood Academy are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 10 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Oldham
Homes sell for an average of £198K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £136K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Oldham
Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Other crime is the leading concern across Oldham, with 1 incidents recorded in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Oldham
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Oldham within the more deprived parts of England. A higher proportion of working-age residents face employment challenges compared to the national picture. A larger share of residents live on lower incomes compared to the wider national picture.
Healthcare in Oldham
There are 63 GP surgeries within three miles of Oldham, the nearest being John Street Medical Practice (0.3 miles away).
Local Data for Oldham
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Property Prices 23,507 sales
Schools & Education 304 within 5 miles View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the OL8 postcode area.
Household Income in Oldham ONS 2023
The average total household income in Oldham is approximately £42,552 a year before tax, 23% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,073. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £33,073.
Businesses in Oldham ONS 2025
There are approximately 6,649 active businesses based in Oldham, around 30 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 113 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Oldham IMD 2025
According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Oldham 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.
Crime in Oldham 1 crimes · May 2026
Crime levels in Oldham are lower than the England and Wales average. While other crime 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 Oldham
Of the 83,786 households in and around Oldham, 61% are owned, 22% are socially rented and 18% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Oldham.