Fold Head on the map

Location in LancashireFold Head sits where the marker shows within the county.

42,511
Population
19,149
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£42,641
Avg. household income
1,286
Businesses
917
People per km²
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About Fold Head

Fold Head is a small locality situated in Lancashire, England, within the OL12 postcode area. It is primarily a residential area, characterised by its close-knit community and local amenities. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities, such as walking and cycling, making it a suitable spot for those who enjoy nature.

The area is conveniently located near the town of Rochdale, which provides additional facilities, including shops, schools, and healthcare services. Public transport links are accessible, allowing for easy travel to nearby towns and cities. Fold Head serves as a peaceful place for families and individuals seeking a quieter lifestyle while remaining within reach of urban conveniences.

School Ratings in Fold Head

There are 114 schools in and around Fold Head. 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 Fold Head

The average property price is £180K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £124K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Fold Head

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Fold Head, with 4 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Fold Head

Fold Head falls within the more deprived areas of England, 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 Fold Head

There are 21 GP surgeries within three miles of Fold Head, the nearest being Whitworth Medical Centre (0.5 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 Fold Head ONS 2023

The average total household income in Fold Head 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.

Fold Head £42,641
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Fold Head ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,286 active businesses based in Fold Head, 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 Fold Head IMD 2025

Fold Head falls within the more deprived areas of England according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment opportunities can be more limited and household incomes tend to sit below the national average. Investment in local services and regeneration continues to support the community.

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 Fold Head 20 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Fold Head records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 12
Anti-Social Behaviour 4
Vehicle Crime 2
Burglary 1
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Local Policing
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 3 miles
Rochdale Train Station 3.1 miles
Littleborough Train Station 3.2 miles
Walsden Train Station 4.1 miles
Castleton (Manchester) Train Station 4.2 miles
Todmorden Train Station 5.2 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Fold Head

Of the 17,292 households in and around Fold Head, 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 Fold Head.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fold Head

What is the population of Fold Head?
Fold Head 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 Fold Head?
The average property in and around Fold Head 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 Fold Head a deprived area?
Fold Head 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 Fold Head?
Fold Head is covered by the OL12 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Fold Head?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Fold Head, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Fold Head?
The nearest railway station to Fold Head is Smithy Bridge Train Station, about 3 miles away.