Wardle on the map

Location in Greater ManchesterWardle sits where the marker shows within the county.

42,511
Population
19,149
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
107
Schools nearby
£42,641
Avg. household income
1,286
Businesses
917
People per km²
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About Wardle

Wardle is a village located in Greater Manchester, England, within the OL12 postcode area. It is situated near the scenic Pennine hills, providing a backdrop of natural beauty. The village features a mix of residential areas and local amenities, including shops, schools, and parks, making it a convenient place for families and individuals alike.

The community in Wardle is active, with various local events and activities taking place throughout the year. The area is well-connected by public transport, allowing easy access to nearby towns and cities. For those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, there are several walking trails and green spaces in the vicinity, offering opportunities to explore the countryside. Overall, Wardle presents a pleasant environment for both residents and visitors.

School Ratings in Wardle

Wardle is served by 107 schools. Kentmere Primary Academy and Rochdale Sixth Form College are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 16 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Wardle

Property prices average £180K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £124K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Wardle

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Wardle, with 6 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Wardle

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Wardle is among the more deprived areas nationally. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in Wardle

There are 37 GP surgeries within three miles of Wardle, the nearest being Hmp Buckley Hall (1 miles away).

Property Prices 5,562 sales

Average Price £180K
£400 , £4.25M
Detached £291K 1,162
Semi £175K 1,472
Terraced £124K 2,279
Flat £99K 316

Household Income in Wardle ONS 2023

The average total household income in Wardle is approximately £42,641 a year before tax, 23% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £32,183. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Wardle £42,641
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £32,183.

Businesses in Wardle ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,286 active businesses based in Wardle, around 30 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 12 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,286 Total businesses
30 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Wardle IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation identifies Wardle as one of the more deprived areas nationally. Residents face greater challenges around employment and income, though ongoing investment in infrastructure and services is helping to address these issues over time.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
4/10
Health
3/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 17%
8,945 Children (0-15) 21%
26,216 Working Age 62%
7,348 Older (65+) 17%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 46.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 29.3% 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 Wardle 26 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Wardle 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 12
Anti-Social Behaviour 6
Drugs 3
Other Theft 3
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Public Order 1
Local Policing
Greater Manchester Wardle and West Littleborough 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

Smithy Bridge Train Station 1.1 miles
Littleborough Train Station 1.3 miles
Rochdale Train Station 2.6 miles
Walsden Train Station 3.5 miles
Castleton (Manchester) Train Station 4.1 miles
Todmorden Train Station 4.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Rochdale
County Lancashire
Ward Healey
Constituency Rochdale
Parish Rochdale, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Wardle

Of the 17,292 households in and around Wardle, 64% are owned, 17% are socially rented and 19% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 64% Social rented 17% Private rented 19%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Wardle

What is the population of Wardle?
Wardle has a population of approximately 42,511 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Wardle?
The average property in and around Wardle sold for about £180,065, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 48% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Wardle a deprived area?
Wardle sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 3 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Wardle?
Wardle is covered by the OL12 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Wardle?
There are 107 schools within 5 miles of Wardle, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Wardle?
The nearest railway station to Wardle is Smithy Bridge Train Station, about 1.1 miles away.