Bolton
Bolton Town Centre and shopping precinct
Bolton (BL) Postcode Area
Bolton: Industrial heritage, friendly community spirit, scenic countryside, and a passion for football. A Lancashire town with character.
Bolton Postcode Area includes:
Bury, Bolton.
Discover everything you need to know about Bolton with PostcodeArea. Scroll down to uncover demographics, property prices, crime stats, amenities and more.
Most Desirable Postcodes
Here are the top 10 most desirable postcode areas in Bolton (BL), based on a unique scoring system that weighs key factors like safety, schools, diversity, and affordability.
Whether you're a renter, homebuyer, or property investor, this tool lets you customise the score to focus on what matters most to you, helping you make smarter, data-driven decisions.
How are Desirability Scores calculated?
Our custom algorithm calculates a unique "Desirability Score" for any UK postcode by analysing a range of factors - including Census 2021 data, third-party insights, and socio-economic knowledge, to provide a tailored rating.
Explain more
Primary Industries
The Bolton postcode's economy in focus! Here are the top four industries that play a vital role in shaping local business and employment.
Construction
Bolton has a strong presence of construction businesses, which usually means there's a lot of building going on - whether it's new homes, commercial spaces, or infrastructure. This can be a good sign that the Bolton area is growing and attracting investment. It could also mean there's a strong local economy, with plenty of work available for builders and tradespeople. On the flip side, it might suggest there's a fair bit of property in need of repair or updating. Either way, it tells you the Bolton area is pretty active and could be on the up.
Professional & Scientific
Bolton has a large proportion of professional and scientific businesses, which makes it a hub for specialised industries like law firms, consulting agencies, tech companies, or research labs. This suggests a high level of expertise and innovation, attracting professionals such as engineers, scientists, lawyers, and consultants. The Bolton area might have a more polished, business-focused atmosphere, with modern offices and co-working spaces. It's often well-connected, with good transport links and amenities to support a skilled workforce. Property prices could be higher, as these areas tend to attract well-paid professionals. It might not be the most vibrant or social place, but it will have a reputation for being smart, efficient, and future-focused.
Retail
Bolton area has a large quantity of retail businesses, making it a busy, commercial hub where people go to shop and socialise. High streets, shopping centres, and independent boutiques often thrive in these areas, making it a convenient place for residents and visitors alike. The presence of retail businesses can indicate that the local economy is fairly strong, with plenty of footfall and a demand for goods and services. This kind of area tends to have good transport links and a lively atmosphere, but it can also mean a bit more hustle and bustle, especially during weekends and sales events. If you're living in Bolton, it's handy for convenience, but it could also bring a lot of traffic and noise during peak shopping hours.
Business Administration
If a postcode area such as BL has a lot of business administration services, such as accounting firms, HR consultancies, and management services, it's likely a centre for corporate and operational support. These businesses help other companies run smoothly, so the area might be more business-centric, attracting professionals like administrators, accountants, and consultants. The local economy could be quite strong, driven by a steady demand for services that keep companies ticking over. It's not necessarily the most exciting or creative environment, but it would be efficient, organised, and perhaps well-connected with reliable transport links. You'd expect to see a lot of office spaces in Bolton and maybe even shared workspaces catering to small and medium-sized businesses. The area could feel more formal and professional, with less of a residential or leisure focus.
Major Employers
Major employers and businesses in the BL postcode area include:
Bolton Council
Public Administration, Bolton
The local authority responsible for providing public services across Bolton, including education, housing, and social care.
Postcode Location: BL1
Bolton at Home
Housing & Social Services, Bolton
A social housing provider offering affordable homes and community services across the Bolton area.
Postcode Location: BL1
Love Energy Savings
Energy & Utilities, Bolton
A utility switching company helping businesses and consumers find cheaper energy deals, headquartered in Bolton.
Postcode Location: BL1
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
Public Sector & Emergency Services, Bolton
Provides fire and rescue services for the Greater Manchester area, with a station in Bolton.
Postcode Location: BL2
Warburtons
Food Manufacturing, Bolton
A well-known bakery brand producing bread and other baked goods, with headquarters and production facilities in Bolton.
Postcode Location: BL3
University of Bolton
Higher Education, Bolton
A leading university offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with a focus on professional development.
Postcode Location: BL3
Data showing the activity, size and location is from the Inter Departmental Business Register 2024, produced by the ONS.
Key Statistics
Bolton BL, part of the ceremonial county of Greater Manchester in England, presents a substantial geographical area with 10 outward codes (the first half of a postcode, e.g. BL 1AA). Its population stands at 403,601 individuals, reflecting a density of 2,854 people per square kilometre. The average household income here is £40,318 , which is 15.2% higher than the average UK median household income (£35,000), indicating a stable economic profile within the region.
Postcode Area
Bolton
Total Outward Codes
Postcodes
Population
People
Population Density
People/km2
Average Income
Per household
What's Bolton like to live and work in?
Bolton Town Centre and shopping precinct
Adobe Stock
Welcome to Bolton, a historic town in Greater Manchester! The BL postcode area covers Bolton and its diverse neighbourhoods.
In BL1 and BL2, you'll find the town centre bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. Bolton's demographics feature a vibrant mix of families, professionals, and students, fostering a dynamic community spirit.
Nestled on the edge of the West Pennine Moors, Bolton offers excellent transport links, including direct trains to Manchester and easy access to major motorways.
This page contains a list of postcode districts for Bolton area. Select a postcode to see the map location, demographics, house prices, local information, tourist guides and statistics:
Bolton (BL) Postcode Districts
Greater Manchester
The wider county
Far more than the (admittedly great) Manchester city at its heart, Greater Manchester could stake a good claim to be the most fascinating region in the north west. It is a metropolitan county with a population of over 2.7 million and is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Britain, made up of Wigan, Trafford, Tameside, Stockport, Rochdale, Oldham, Bury and Bolton.
Spanning 496 square miles it is bordered by Merseyside to the west, Lancashire to the north, Yorkshire to the northeast, Derbyshire to the south-east and Cheshire to the south.
Read more about Greater Manchester
Local Transport
Rail Transport
The BL postcode area is well-served by rail, providing convenient connections to major cities. Key stations such as Bolton and Horwich Parkway offer frequent services to Manchester, making commuting easy. Regular trains also link the area to Leeds, Liverpool, and other northern hubs, ensuring good connectivity for both work and leisure.
Air Travel
If you need to travel further afield, Manchester Airport is within a manageable distance, offering a broad range of domestic and international flights. This proximity ensures the BL area is a great choice for those who frequently fly for business or holidays.
Commuting by Car
For drivers, the BL postcode area boasts excellent road links. The M60 and M61 motorways provide swift access to Manchester and further afield. The roads are generally well-maintained, making driving a convenient option for commuters.
Buses
Buses are a reliable mode of transport within the BL area. Several services run frequently, connecting residential neighbourhoods with town centres and key locations. This network is perfect for those preferring public transport for their daily commutes or casual trips.
Train Stations
The following railway stations are within the BL postcode region:
Blackrod Railway Station
Bolton Railway Station
Bromley Cross Railway Station
Daisy Hill Railway Station
Entwistle Railway Station
Farnworth Railway Station
Hall I' Th' Wood Railway Station
Horwich Parkway Railway Station
Lostock Parkway Railway Station
Moses Gate Railway Station
Westhoughton Railway Station
Local Authorities
BL Postcode area
Local Authorities are government organisations responsible for providing local services and facilities such as education, housing, and social services within a specific area. The BL postcode area includes the following local authorities:
Blackburn with Darwen
Blackburn with Darwen combines industrial heritage with cultural diversity, offering significant redevelopment and a blend of urban and rural environments in Lancashire.
Bolton
Bolton is known for its vibrant community life, historical mills, and expansive moorland, providing a rich blend of cultural activities and natural beauty in Greater Manchester.
Bury
Bury, famous for its traditional market and the East Lancashire Railway, offers a charming mix of history and modern leisure facilities, fostering a strong community spirit.
GDP (Gross Domestic Product)
Economic Output
GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the total economic output of a country, region, or Local Authority. It tells us how much money is being made within a particular area. This includes everything from a business selling cars or consumers getting their hair cut.
This list of the Local Authorities within the Bolton (BL) postcode town gives us a snapshot of how much money is being generated at current market prices, based on what people are spending and earning. It's an important way to understand the economic health and activity levels across the UK.
For comparison purposes, we've included the top and bottom two local authorities across the UK in terms of GDP.
Local Authority
GDP (£)
GDP trends over time
The graph below shows the total GDP values for all Local Authorities within the Bolton (BL) area:
When we talk about GDP at current market prices, we're looking at the total value of all goods and services produced in an area, but the key bit here is "current market prices." This means it includes the value of goods and services as they're bought and sold right now, without adjusting for inflation or changes in prices over time.
So, for example a figure of £2,096 GDP means that, on average, each person within an area contributes this amount to the UK economy each year.
Republished from the ONS regional gross domestic product: local authorities under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Latest available data: April 2022.
Education
Highest Rated Schools in BL
As rated by Ofsted
- St Marie's Roman Catholic Primary School, Bury
Edward Street, Bury, BL9 0RZ
Primary School (3-11)Outstanding - St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Hawkshaw
Bolton Road, Bolton Road, Hawkshaw, Bury, BL8 4JL
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Holly Mount Roman Catholic Primary School, Bury
Hollymount Lane, Bury, BL8 4HS
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - The Olive School, Bolton
Ashton House, Bolton, BL1 8HT
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - St Paul's CofE Primary School, Astley Bridge
Newnham Street, Bolton, BL1 8QA
Primary School (2-11)Outstanding - Ladywood School
Masefield Road, Bolton, BL3 1NG
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - The Valley Community Primary School
Hibbert Street, Bolton, BL1 8JG
Primary School (2-11)Outstanding - Ss Simon & Jude CofE Primary School, Bolton
Newport Road, Bolton, BL3 2DT
Primary School (2-11)Outstanding - Johnson Fold Community Primary School
Worston Avenue, Bolton, BL1 5UG
Primary School (2-11)Outstanding - Markland Hill Primary School
Markland Hill, Bolton, BL1 5EJ
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding
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