Bolton on the map

Location in West YorkshireBolton sits where the marker shows within the county.

296,742
Population
117,154
Households
2 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£43,035
Avg. household income
10,829
Businesses
1,568
People per km²
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About Bolton

Bolton is a town located in West Yorkshire, England, within the BD2 postcode area. It lies to the west of the city of Bradford and is part of the larger metropolitan area of West Yorkshire. The town has a mix of residential and industrial areas, with a history rooted in textile manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. Bolton is well connected by road and rail, making it accessible to nearby cities and towns. The local community is diverse, with a range of shops, schools, and recreational facilities serving residents. While not a major tourist destination, Bolton offers a practical and functional environment for those living and working in the region.

School Ratings in Bolton

Bolton is served by 266 schools. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Bolton

Property prices average £212K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £132K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bolton

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages.

Deprivation and Employment in Bolton

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Bolton is among the more deprived areas nationally. The area sees higher levels of employment deprivation, with more residents excluded from the labour market. Income deprivation is more prevalent, with household earnings falling below the national average.

Healthcare in Bolton

There are 90 GP surgeries within three miles of Bolton, the nearest being The Rockwell And Wrose Practice (0.6 miles away).

Property Prices 37,283 sales

Average Price £212K
£100 , £42.2M
Detached £357K 6,387
Semi £193K 11,172
Terraced £132K 14,638
Flat £115K 2,839

Household Income in Bolton ONS 2023

The average total household income in Bolton is approximately £43,035 a year before tax, 22% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £32,683. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Bolton £43,035
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £32,683.

Businesses in Bolton ONS 2025

There are approximately 10,829 active businesses based in Bolton, around 36 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 183 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

10,829 Total businesses
36 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Bolton IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation identifies Bolton 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
2/10
Income
3/10
Employment
3/10
Education
2/10
Health
3/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 18%
63,662 Children (0-15) 21%
182,047 Working Age 61%
51,021 Older (65+) 17%
Below Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 53.8% of children in income-deprived families
Below Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 32.8% 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 Bolton 2 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Bolton falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring city.

Violence & Sexual Offences 2
Local Policing
West Yorkshire Bradford East 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

Frizinghall Train Station 0.8 miles
Shipley (Yorks) Train Station 1.5 miles
Bradford Interchange Train Station 1.7 miles
Saltaire Train Station 2.2 miles
Apperley Bridge Train Station 2.2 miles
Baildon Train Station 2.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Bolton
Ward Great Lever
Constituency Bolton South East
Parish Bolton, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Bolton

Of the 119,092 households in and around Bolton, 62% are owned, 20% are socially rented and 18% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 62% Social rented 20% Private rented 18%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Bolton

What is the population of Bolton?
Bolton has a population of approximately 296,742 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Bolton?
The average property in and around Bolton sold for about £212,120, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 39% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Bolton a deprived area?
Bolton sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 2 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Bolton?
Bolton is covered by the BL1, BL11, BL2, BL3, BL4, BL5, BL6, BL7, BL78 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Bolton?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Bolton, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Bolton?
The nearest railway station to Bolton is Frizinghall Train Station, about 0.8 miles away.