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 301 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 £188K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £130K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Oldham

Crime in the area is lower than the national average.

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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Oldham

Oldham benefits from solid broadband infrastructure, including superfast and ultrafast services. Mobile reception across 4G and 5G is dependable in most locations. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 24,341 sales

Average Price £188K
£100 £15.74M
Detached £346K 2,836
Semi £196K 7,069
Terraced £130K 11,331
Flat £134K 1,311

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.

Overall Deprivation
1/10
Income
1/10
Employment
2/10
Education
2/10
Health
2/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
3/10
15,815 Children (0-15) 27%
35,631 Working Age 61%
8,604 Older (60+) 15%
Below Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 64.2% of children in income-deprived families
Below Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 45.2% 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 Oldham 4 crimes · January 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Oldham 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.

4 Violence & Sexual Offences
Local Policing
Greater Manchester Alexandra 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

Mills Hill (Manchester) Train Station 2.4 miles
Moston Train Station 2.5 miles
Ashton-Under-Lyne Train Station 3.3 miles
Mossley (Manchester) Train Station 3.4 miles
Greenfield Train Station 4.1 miles
Stalybridge Train Station 4.2 miles

Location

Local Government

District Oldham
Ward Chadderton Central
Constituency Oldham West and Royton
Parish Oldham, unparished area
Region North West

Notable & Famous People from Oldham 38 people

Andrew Driver
Association football player
Footballer (born 1987)
Andrew Sherratt
University teacher
British archaeologist (1946–2006)
Annie Whitehead
Jazz musician
English trombonist
Carl Cox
Composer
British house and techno DJ producer
Chris Curtis
Singer
British drummer and singer (1941–2005)
Christopher Biggins
Actor
British actor
Danny Philliskirk
Association football player
England footballer (born 1991)
Don Cupitt
Naturalist
British theologian (1934–2025)
Edward Sinclair
Actor
British actor (1914–1977)
Eric Sykes
Screenwriter
English actor and director (1923-2012)
Eva Turner
Opera singer
singer (1892–1990)