Oswaldtwistle on the map

Oswaldtwistle built-up area

Built-up area2.5 km² (1.0 sq mi)

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

62,987
Population
25,822
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£39,072
Avg. household income
1,822
Businesses
1,392
People per km²
Create a free area profile for OswaldtwistleDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Oswaldtwistle

Oswaldtwistle is a town located in Lancashire, England, within the BB5 postcode area. It is situated approximately three miles from the larger town of Accrington and offers a mix of residential and commercial areas. The town has a variety of local shops, schools, and community facilities, making it a practical choice for residents.

The area is also known for its green spaces, including parks and recreational facilities that provide opportunities for outdoor activities. Oswaldtwistle has a number of historical buildings, reflecting its development over the years. The town is well-connected by road and public transport, making it accessible for those wishing to explore the surrounding region.

School Ratings in Oswaldtwistle

Oswaldtwistle is served by 162 schools. Sure Start Hyndburn - Accrington South and Oswaldtwistle White Ash School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 23 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Oswaldtwistle

Property prices average £141K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £93K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Oswaldtwistle

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Oswaldtwistle, with 105 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Oswaldtwistle

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Oswaldtwistle is among the more deprived areas nationally. The area sees higher levels of employment deprivation, with more residents excluded from the labour market. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in Oswaldtwistle

There are 42 GP surgeries within three miles of Oswaldtwistle, the nearest being Higher Heys Surgery (0.4 miles away).

Property Prices 8,914 sales

Average Price £141K
£105 , £12.41M
Detached £237K 1,000
Semi £165K 1,885
Terraced £93K 5,305
Flat £87K 124

Household Income in Oswaldtwistle ONS 2023

The average total household income in Oswaldtwistle is approximately £39,072 a year before tax, 29% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £30,614. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Oswaldtwistle £39,072
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £30,614.

Businesses in Oswaldtwistle ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,822 active businesses based in Oswaldtwistle, around 29 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 85% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 46 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,822 Total businesses
29 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 85%
Small, 10-49 12%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Oswaldtwistle IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation identifies Oswaldtwistle 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
3/10
Education
4/10
Health
3/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 17%
13,144 Children (0-15) 21%
38,882 Working Age 62%
10,956 Older (65+) 17%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 45.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 24.9% 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 Oswaldtwistle 685 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Oswaldtwistle 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.

Violence & Sexual Offences 267
Anti-Social Behaviour 105
Public Order 60
Criminal Damage & Arson 55
Shoplifting 50
Vehicle Crime 41
Other Theft 37
Burglary 23
Drugs 14
Other Crime 11
Weapons 10
Robbery 5
Theft from Person 5
Bicycle Theft 2
Local Policing
Lancashire St Andrew's - Hyndburn 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

Church And Oswaldtwistle Train Station 0.7 miles
Accrington Train Station 1.5 miles
Rishton Train Station 1.7 miles
Blackburn Train Station 3.1 miles
Huncoat Train Station 3.4 miles
Ramsgreave And Wilpshire Train Station 3.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Hyndburn
County Lancashire
Ward Central
Constituency Hyndburn
Parish Hyndburn, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Oswaldtwistle

Of the 26,167 households in and around Oswaldtwistle, 62% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 23% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 62% Social rented 15% Private rented 23%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Oswaldtwistle

What is the population of Oswaldtwistle?
Oswaldtwistle has a population of approximately 62,987 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Oswaldtwistle?
The average property in and around Oswaldtwistle sold for about £140,715, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 60% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Oswaldtwistle a deprived area?
Oswaldtwistle 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 Oswaldtwistle?
Oswaldtwistle is covered by the BB5 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Oswaldtwistle?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Oswaldtwistle, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Oswaldtwistle?
The nearest railway station to Oswaldtwistle is Church And Oswaldtwistle Train Station, about 0.7 miles away.