Top Lock on the map

Location in Greater ManchesterTop Lock sits where the marker shows within the county.

52,729
Population
22,096
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£40,586
Avg. household income
1,180
Businesses
1,337
People per km²
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About Top Lock

Top Lock is located in Greater Manchester, England, within the WN2 postcode area. This area is primarily known for its canal system, which plays a significant role in the local landscape. The lock itself is part of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which is the longest canal in England. Visitors can enjoy walks along the towpath, where they may encounter various types of wildlife and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.

The local community around Top Lock is active, with several amenities nearby. There are opportunities for boating and fishing, making it a popular spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The area is also accessible by road, providing convenient links to nearby towns and cities. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a chance to engage with the waterway, Top Lock offers a practical and enjoyable experience.

School Ratings in Top Lock

Top Lock is served by 156 schools. Hindley Sure Start Children's Centre and Hindley Nursery School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 17 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Top Lock

Property prices average £171K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £160K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Top Lock

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages.

Deprivation and Employment in Top Lock

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Top Lock 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 Top Lock

There are 78 GP surgeries within three miles of Top Lock, the nearest being Wigan Camhs (0.7 miles away).

Property Prices 7,239 sales

Average Price £171K
£125 , £16.75M
Detached £261K 1,249
Semi £160K 2,782
Terraced £113K 2,649
Flat £89K 194

Household Income in Top Lock ONS 2023

The average total household income in Top Lock is approximately £40,586 a year before tax, 27% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £31,862. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Top Lock £40,586
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £31,862.

Businesses in Top Lock ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,180 active businesses based in Top Lock, around 22 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 17 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,180 Total businesses
22 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Top Lock IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Top Lock 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.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
4/10
Health
3/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 20%
9,717 Children (0-15) 18%
32,956 Working Age 62%
10,068 Older (65+) 19%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 39.1% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 20.8% 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 Top Lock 3 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Top Lock falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 3
Local Policing
Greater Manchester Aspull New Springs Whelley 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

Ince (Manchester) Train Station 1.1 miles
Hindley Train Station 1.2 miles
Wigan Wallgate Train Station 1.6 miles
Wigan North Western Train Station 1.6 miles
Blackrod Train Station 2.8 miles
Horwich Parkway Train Station 3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Wigan
Ward Aspull New Springs Whelley
Constituency Wigan
Parish Wigan, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Top Lock

Of the 22,555 households in and around Top Lock, 65% are owned, 19% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 65% Social rented 19% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Top Lock

What is the population of Top Lock?
Top Lock has a population of approximately 52,729 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Top Lock?
The average property in and around Top Lock sold for about £171,212, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 51% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Top Lock a deprived area?
Top Lock sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Top Lock?
Top Lock is covered by the WN2 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Top Lock?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Top Lock, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Top Lock?
The nearest railway station to Top Lock is Ince (Manchester) Train Station, about 1.1 miles away.