Whelley on the map

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

22,284
Population
9,073
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£40,976
Avg. household income
737
Businesses
2,296
People per km²
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About Whelley

Whelley is a small area located within the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan in Greater Manchester, England. It falls under the WN1 postcode area and is primarily a residential community. The area features a mix of housing, including traditional terraced homes and more modern developments. Whelley is conveniently situated near the town of Wigan, providing easy access to local amenities, shops, and services.

The area is well-connected by public transport, with bus services linking Whelley to surrounding areas. Nearby, residents can enjoy parks and green spaces, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. Whelley is also close to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which provides scenic walking routes. Overall, Whelley serves as a quiet residential area with practical access to the broader amenities of Greater Manchester.

School Ratings in Whelley

Families in Whelley have access to 150 local schools. Douglas Valley Nursery School and St Mary and St John Catholic Primary School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Whelley

Homes sell for an average of £223K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £126K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Whelley

Crime in the area is lower than the national average.

Deprivation and Employment in Whelley

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Whelley around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Whelley

There are 83 GP surgeries within three miles of Whelley, the nearest being Longshoot Medical Practice (0.4 miles away).

Property Prices 2,881 sales

Average Price £223K
£250 , £15M
Detached £364K 352
Semi £194K 938
Terraced £126K 1,018
Flat £112K 329

Household Income in Whelley ONS 2023

The average total household income in Whelley is approximately £40,976 a year before tax, 26% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £31,873. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Whelley £40,976
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £31,873.

Businesses in Whelley ONS 2025

There are approximately 737 active businesses based in Whelley, around 33 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.

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

Deprivation and Employment in Whelley IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Whelley 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.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
5/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
4/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 65%
Older 65+ 18%
3,795 Children (0-15) 17%
14,467 Working Age 65%
4,023 Older (65+) 18%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 33.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 20.4% 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 Whelley 2 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Whelley 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 town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 2
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 0.9 miles
Wigan Wallgate Train Station 1 miles
Wigan North Western Train Station 1.1 miles
Hindley Train Station 1.7 miles
Pemberton Train Station 2.7 miles
Blackrod Train Station 3.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Wigan
Ward Wigan Central
Constituency Wigan
Parish Wigan, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Whelley

Of the 10,334 households in and around Whelley, 55% are owned, 23% are socially rented and 22% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 55% Social rented 23% Private rented 22%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Whelley

What is the population of Whelley?
Whelley has a population of approximately 22,284 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Whelley?
The average property in and around Whelley sold for about £223,319, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 36% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Whelley a deprived area?
Whelley sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Whelley?
Whelley is covered by the WN1 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Whelley?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Whelley, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Whelley?
The nearest railway station to Whelley is Ince (Manchester) Train Station, about 0.9 miles away.