Whitworth on the map

Whitworth built-up area

Built-up area1.8 km² (0.7 sq mi)

Location in LancashireWhitworth 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 Whitworth

Whitworth is a small town located in Lancashire, England, within the OL12 postcode area. It lies on the edge of the Pennines, providing a scenic backdrop for residents and visitors alike. The town has a mix of residential areas and local shops, catering to the everyday needs of its community. Whitworth is well-connected by road, making it accessible for those travelling to nearby towns and cities.

The area is home to several parks and green spaces, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure. Whitworth also features a number of local events throughout the year, which foster a sense of community among its residents. The town's proximity to larger urban centres allows for easy access to additional amenities and attractions, while still maintaining its own distinct character.

School Ratings in Whitworth

Families in Whitworth have access to 112 local schools. 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 Whitworth

Homes sell for an average of £180K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £124K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Whitworth

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Whitworth, with 6 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Whitworth

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Whitworth within the more deprived parts of England. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Whitworth

There are 10 GP surgeries within three miles of Whitworth, the nearest being Whitworth Medical Centre (0.1 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 Whitworth ONS 2023

The average total household income in Whitworth 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.

Whitworth £42,641
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Whitworth ONS 2025

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

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Whitworth 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.

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 Whitworth 26 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Whitworth are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 12
Anti-Social Behaviour 6
Drugs 3
Other Theft 3
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Public Order 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 3.3 miles
Littleborough Train Station 3.4 miles
Walsden Train Station 3.7 miles
Rochdale Train Station 3.7 miles
Todmorden Train Station 4.7 miles
Castleton (Manchester) Train Station 4.8 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Whitworth

Of the 17,292 households in and around Whitworth, 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 Whitworth.

Frequently Asked Questions about Whitworth

What is the population of Whitworth?
Whitworth 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 Whitworth?
The average property in and around Whitworth 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 Whitworth a deprived area?
Whitworth 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 Whitworth?
Whitworth is covered by the OL12 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Whitworth?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Whitworth, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Whitworth?
The nearest railway station to Whitworth is Smithy Bridge Train Station, about 3.3 miles away.