Bacup on the map
Built-up area4.1 km² (1.6 sq mi)
Location in LancashireBacup sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Bacup
Bacup is a town in the Rossendale borough of Lancashire, England, located within the OL13 postcode area. It lies in the foothills of the Pennines, surrounded by rolling hills and moorland, with the River Irwell flowing through the valley. The town developed during the 19th century as a centre for cotton spinning and textile manufacturing, and many of the former mill buildings remain, some now converted for other uses. Bacup has a mix of residential areas and local amenities, including shops, schools, and community facilities. The town is well connected by road and rail, with Bacup railway station providing regular services to nearby towns and cities. It is known for its strong sense of local identity and community spirit, with several local events and groups contributing to its social life.
School Ratings in Bacup
Families in Bacup have access to 68 local schools. The Maden Community & Children's Centre and Bacup Nursery School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Bacup
Homes sell for an average of £166K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £103K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bacup
Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Criminal damage & arson is the leading concern across Bacup, with 17 incidents recorded in June 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Bacup
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Bacup within the more deprived parts of England. A higher proportion of working-age residents face employment challenges compared to the national picture. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.
Healthcare in Bacup
There are 5 GP surgeries within three miles of Bacup, the nearest being Irwell Medical Practice (0.3 miles away).
Property Prices 2,648 sales
Schools & Education 68 within 5 miles View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the OL13 postcode area.
Household Income in Bacup ONS 2023
The average total household income in Bacup is approximately £42,074 a year before tax, 24% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £31,904. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £31,904.
Businesses in Bacup ONS 2025
There are approximately 508 active businesses based in Bacup, around 31 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 8 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Bacup IMD 2025
According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Bacup 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 Bacup 156 crimes · June 2026
Crime figures for Bacup are higher than the England and Wales average, with violence & sexual offences the most prevalent offence recorded. Urban density and footfall contribute to elevated reporting in areas like this. Ongoing investment in policing and community safety programmes aims to improve the picture.
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 Bacup
Of the 7,056 households in and around Bacup, 63% are owned, 17% are socially rented and 20% 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 Bacup.