About Nelson

Nelson is a town located in Lancashire, England, within the postcode area BB9. It lies to the east of Burnley and is part of the borough of Pendle. The town has a mix of residential areas and local amenities, including shops, schools, and parks. The local economy has historically been linked to the textile industry, which played a significant role in the town's development. One notable feature of Nelson is its proximity to the scenic countryside of the Pennines, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking and cycling. The town also has several community events throughout the year, which help to foster a sense of belonging among residents. Public transport links connect Nelson to nearby towns and cities, making it accessible for those commuting or visiting the area.

School Ratings in Nelson

Nelson is served by 113 schools. Walton Lane Nursery School & Children's Centre, Walton Lane Nursery School and East Lancashire Learning Group are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 19 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Nelson

Property prices average £129K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £83K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Nelson

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Nelson, with 97 incidents logged in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Nelson

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Nelson 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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Nelson

Most properties in Nelson can access superfast or ultrafast broadband. 4G coverage is extensive and 5G is increasingly available across the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 6,065 sales

Average Price £129K
£220 £5.6M
Detached £285K 540
Semi £149K 1,197
Terraced £83K 3,869
Flat £105K 112

Deprivation and Employment in Nelson IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation identifies Nelson 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
3/10
Health
4/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
2/10
13,652 Children (0-15) 23%
34,591 Working Age 59%
12,837 Older (60+) 22%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 48.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 28.2% 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 Nelson 459 crimes · January 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Nelson is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

193 Violence & Sexual Offences
97 Anti-Social Behaviour
29 Other Theft
28 Criminal Damage & Arson
23 Burglary
20 Public Order
19 Drugs
14 Shoplifting
13 Vehicle Crime
13 Other Crime
4 Robbery
3 Weapons
2 Bicycle Theft
1 Theft from Person
Local Policing
Lancashire Whitefield & Walverton 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

Brierfield Train Station 1.6 miles
Colne Train Station 1.7 miles
Burnley Central Train Station 3.2 miles
Burnley Manchester Road Train Station 3.7 miles
Burnley Barracks Train Station 3.7 miles
Rose Grove Train Station 4.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Pendle
County Lancashire
Ward Whitefield & Walverden
Constituency Pendle
Parish Nelson
Region North West

Notable & Famous People from Nelson 4 people

James Stanley Hey
Physicist
English physicist and radio astronomer (1909–2000)
Jimmy Hogan
Association football coach
English football coach (1882–1974)
Mike Phelan
Association football coach
English football player and coach
Ted Koppel
Writer
British-born American broadcast journalist