Bretherton on the map

Bretherton built-up area

Built-up area0.5 km² (0.2 sq mi)

Location in LancashireBretherton sits where the marker shows within the county.

17,164
Population
5,518
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£48,388
Avg. household income
634
Businesses
506
People per km²
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About Bretherton

Bretherton is a small village located in the county of Lancashire, in the north-west of England. It lies within the Ribble Valley district and is situated near the River Ribble, offering a peaceful rural setting. The village is part of the PR26 postcode area and is known for its traditional Lancashire countryside character. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills and farmland, typical of the region. Bretherton has a close-knit community and retains a quiet, village atmosphere. The area is accessible by road, with nearby towns such as Clitheroe and Preston providing local amenities. The village is not far from the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a convenient base for exploring the local countryside.

School Ratings in Bretherton

There are 57 schools in and around Bretherton. Trinity and St Michael's VA CofE/Methodist Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 4 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Bretherton

The average property price is £272K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £326K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bretherton

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Bretherton, with 27 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Bretherton

Bretherton sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Bretherton

There are 5 GP surgeries within three miles of Bretherton, the nearest being The Village Surgeries Croston&eccleston (1.5 miles away).

Property Prices 2,377 sales

Average Price £272K
£650 , £7.58M
Detached £326K 960
Semi £204K 792
Terraced £175K 488
Flat £170K 42

Household Income in Bretherton ONS 2023

The average total household income in Bretherton is approximately £48,388 a year before tax, 13% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £36,950. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Bretherton £48,388
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £36,950.

Businesses in Bretherton ONS 2025

There are approximately 634 active businesses based in Bretherton, around 37 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 86% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 15 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

634 Total businesses
37 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 86%
Small, 10-49 11%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Bretherton IMD 2025

Bretherton sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
5/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 65%
Older 65+ 19%
2,807 Children (0-15) 16%
11,142 Working Age 65%
3,216 Older (65+) 19%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 22.5% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10.2% 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 Bretherton 217 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Bretherton sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.

Violence & Sexual Offences 99
Anti-Social Behaviour 27
Shoplifting 21
Other Crime 19
Public Order 16
Criminal Damage & Arson 12
Vehicle Crime 7
Burglary 6
Other Theft 5
Drugs 4
Weapons 1
Local Policing
Lancashire Croston, Mawdesley & Euxton South 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

Croston Train Station 1.1 miles
Rufford Train Station 3.1 miles
Leyland Train Station 4.6 miles
Lostock Hall Train Station 5.3 miles
Euxton Balshaw Lane Train Station 5.3 miles
Burscough Bridge Train Station 5.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District South Ribble
County Lancashire
Ward Farington West
Constituency Ribble Valley
Parish Farington
Region North West

Home Ownership in Bretherton

Of the 6,510 households in and around Bretherton, 76% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 9% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 76% Social rented 15% Private rented 9%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Bretherton

What is the population of Bretherton?
Bretherton has a population of approximately 17,164 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Bretherton?
The average property in and around Bretherton sold for about £271,865, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 22% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Bretherton a deprived area?
Bretherton sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Bretherton?
Bretherton is covered by the PR26 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Bretherton?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Bretherton, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Bretherton?
The nearest railway station to Bretherton is Croston Train Station, about 1.1 miles away.