Oldham

Oldham OL2 Postcode Insights

The OL1 (Oldham) postcode covers a large area of the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham in North West England.

It includes the town of Oldham, plus a number of surrounding towns and villages such as Chadderton, Crompton, Failsworth, Hollinwood, Lees, Middleton, Moston, Royton, Shaw and Swinton.

Oldham is an important centre of industry in Greater Manchester.

In the 19th century it was a major centre for textile manufacturing, and in the 20th century the area developed an engineering and metalworking industry.

Oldham is now predominantly a retail centre, with two shopping centres: The Spindles and The Mall Oldham.

It is also home to a number of large companies and many smaller, independent businesses.The OL1 postcode is well connected to the wider area by transport links including the M60 motorway, which provides access to Greater Manchester and the North West.

There are several railway stations in the postcode area, with direct services to Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool and other major towns and cities.

There are also regular buses and Metrolink services, making it easy to travel around the region.The OL1 postcode is also well provided with schools, parks and open spaces.

There are four secondary schools and several primary schools within easy reach, ranging from small, local schools all the way up to Oldham Sixth Form College.

There are some excellent parks and open spaces, including Alexandra Park, Woodbank Park, Derker Recreation Ground and Connors Dam.In terms of healthcare, there are a number of hospitals and GP surgeries, both in Oldham and the surrounding area.

The Royal Oldham Hospital and the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust provide emergency and elective services, while there are also local GPs, dentists and opticians.Crystal Drinks Limited is a major employer in the area, as is Muffin Break.

Recently, brand-new media centre ITML was opened, offering studio spaces and audio-visual equipment, as well as conferences and training sessions.In terms of leisure and culture, there is a thriving music and arts scene in the OL1 postcode.

The Oldham Coliseum Theatre presents live performances, while The Dancehouse puts on regular dance shows and events.

The Tameside Library-based cinema shows screenings of the latest films.

There's also plenty of bars, restaurants and cafés, making it easy to find good food and drink.

Miscellaneous

OL2 is rich in community spirit and amenities, featuring local shops, eateries, parks, and leisure activities. The presence of green spaces and historical landmarks, such as the Royton Cross, enhances the area's charm. With a variety of facilities available, including schools, libraries, and health services, OL2 is a family-friendly area that balances urban living with access to nature.

Deprivation

The age distribution in our postcode area offers a snapshot of its population composition, highlighting trends and diversity across different age groups.

Households by Deprivation Dimension

"Households by Deprivation Dimension" in the Census 2021 looks at how many households are deprived in one or more areas such as employment, education, health, or housing. It measures how many of these basic needs aren't fully met within a household, highlighting different levels of disadvantage.

Zero deprivation

46.5%

1 dimension

34.4%

2 dimensions

15.2%

3 dimensions

3.7%

4 dimensions

0.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Work & Employment

The work and employment statistics for Oldham Ol2 reflects the economic activities and job opportunities, which shapes the livelihoods of its residents.

Socio-Economics

The socio-economic landscape in OL2 reveals a community with varied employment levels. A significant portion of the population is engaged in lower managerial and professional occupations at 20.7%, while 9.3% are in higher managerial roles. However, 8% of the population has never worked or is long-term unemployed, indicating some economic challenges. The education breakdown shows that 25.7% of residents have Level 4 qualifications, suggesting a reasonably educated workforce.

Income Levels

The average salary in OL2 is £25,560, which is lower than the UK average of £29,669. This disparity may reflect the area's socio-economic challenges, but it also indicates that living costs, particularly housing, are more manageable compared to higher-income areas.

Employment Rate

70%

population in work

Unemployment Rate

5%

of the OL2 population

Occupation

"Occupation" in the Census 2021 refers to the type of job a person does, including their role or profession. It categorises people based on the kind of work they perform, such as being a manager, skilled tradesperson, machine operative etc, helping to understand the workforce's makeup.

Managers, directors and senior officials

10.8%

Professional occupations

16.9%

Associate professional and technical occupations

14.2%

Administrative and secretarial occupations

11.7%

Skilled trades occupations

11.7%

Caring, leisure and other service occupations

10.2%

Sales and customer service occupations

6.5%

Process, plant and machine operatives

6.8%

Elementary occupations

11.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Hours Worked

"Hours Worked" in the Census 2021 refers to the number of hours a person usually works each week in their job. It includes categories like full-time (usually 31 or more hours) and part-time (less than 31 hours), helping to understand work patterns in the population.

Part time

27.6%

Part time (15 hrs or less)

8%

Part time (16-30 hrs)

19.6%

Full time

72.4%

Full time (31-48 hrs)

64.9%

Full time (49+ hrs)

7.6%

 Line shows UK average.

Unemployment History

This graph shows the unemployment history of the 5% of the population of Oldham OL2 aged 16 or older who were listed as being unemployed on Census Day (21st March 2021) by whether and when they were last empllyed.

Unemployed (less than 1 yr)

10.5%

Unemployed (more than 1 yr)

67.4%

Unemployed (never worked)

22.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Economic Activity Status

"Economic Activity Status" in the Census 2021 refers to whether people are working, looking for work, studying, retired, or otherwise not in the workforce. It shows who is employed, unemployed, self-employed, a student, retired, or unable to work, giving insight into the economic engagement of the population.

Economically active (exc students)

56.4%

Economically active (inc students)

1.2%

Retired

29.1%

Student

4.5%

Looking after home/family

3.1%

Sick or disabled

3.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Armed Forces

Percentage of people in the Oldham (OL2) district who have previously served in the UK Armed Forces. Note that the data excludes people who were currently serving in the UK armed forces on Census Day, 21st March 2021.

Previously served

56.4%

Reserve forces

53.9%

Reserve + regular forces

47.6%

Never served

11.7%

 Line shows UK average.

NS-SEC Occupation

The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) shows people's socio-economic position in Oldham OL2, based on their occupation. The estimates are as at Census Day, which took place on 21 March 2021.

Higher Managerial

8.6%

Lower Managerial

20.5%

Intermediate Occupations

15.6%

Small Employers

8.6%

Lower Supervisory

6.2%

Semi Routine

12.3%

Routine

15.1%

Unemployed

8.1%

Full Time Students

4.9%

 Line shows UK average.

Property & Housing

Property and housing statistics for the Oldham OL2 postcode area defines the living conditions and accommodation in the neighbourhood.

House Prices and Affordability

With an average house price of £161,500, OL2 presents a more affordable option compared to the national average of £288,000. This affordability, combined with the diverse property types available, makes it an attractive area for first-time buyers and families looking for value in the housing market.

Housing and Property Types

The OL2 postcode features a mix of housing styles, catering to various preferences. The property types include 14.8% detached homes, 41.4% semi-detached, 32% terraced houses, 10.2% flats, and a small percentage of bedsits at 0.8%. The majority of homes are 3-bed houses at 44.5%, appealing to families and those seeking more space.

Tenure of Homes

Homeownership in OL2 is relatively strong, with 39.1% of homes owned outright and 31.2% mortgaged. The area also has a mix of rental options, with 14.1% social rented and 14.8% privately rented properties. This diverse tenure mix provides flexibility for potential residents, whether they prefer to buy or rent.

House Types

Distribution of various house types, including detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, across different the different postcode sectors in Oldham (OL2).

Detached

14.8%

Semi-Detached

38.8%

Terraced

33%

Flats

12%

Bedsits

0.3%

 Line shows UK average.

Size (Bedrooms)

This graph provides an insight into the distribution of house sizes in Oldham (OL2), showcasing the number of bedrooms across all properties in Oldham.

1 Bedroom

9.6%

2 Bedrooms

30.7%

3 Bedrooms

46%

4+ Bedrooms

13.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Number of Rooms

This graph provides an insight into the average number of rooms in properties within Oldham OL2 area. A room can be any room in a house apart from kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, halls/landings/conservatories and rooms used for storage.

1 room

0.3%

2 rooms

7.9%

3 rooms

26.3%

4 rooms

33.3%

5 rooms

21.9%

6 rooms

7.9%

7 rooms

1.8%

8 rooms

0.3%

9+ rooms

0.3%

 Line shows UK average.

Tenure

Tenure status of properties throughout the entire Oldham (OL2) postcode sector, presenting a breakdown of ownership, mortgage, rental, and other categories.

Owned Outright

36.8%

Mortgaged

30.3%

Shared Ownership

1%

Rented

16.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Household Size

The number of residents per household in the Oldham (OL2) district, offering insights into the demographic makeup of this postcode district.

1 person

0%

2 people

32.4%

3 People

34.8%

4 People

17.3%

5 People

11.1%

6 People

3.2%

7 People

0.7%

8 People

0.3%

 Line shows UK average.

Occupancy Rating (Bedrooms)

"Occupancy Rating (Bedrooms)" in the Census 2021 measures whether a household has more, fewer, or just the right number of bedrooms compared to what's needed for the number of people living there. A positive rating means extra bedrooms, zero means just enough, and a negative rating can indicate overcrowding.

Occupancy: +2 or more

31.7%

Occupancy: +1

39.3%

Occupancy: 0

26.4%

Occupancy: -1

2.2%

Occupancy: -2 or less

0.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Second Address Indicator

"Second Address Indicator" in the Census 2021 refers to whether a person has another address where they regularly stay, apart from their main home. This could include a second home, a place they stay for work, or a partner's home, indicating how people split their time between different locations.

No second address

96.6%

Second address in the UK

3%

Second address outside UK

0.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Car or Van Availability

"Car or Van Availability" in the Census 2021 refers to the number of cars or vans available for use by members of a household. It indicates whether a household has access to one or more vehicles, or none at all, providing insight into transport options and dependency on personal vehicles.

No cars or vans

24.1%

1 car or van

43.8%

2 cars or vans

25.3%

3+ cars or vans

6.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Central Heating

"Central Heating" in the Census 2021 refers to whether a household has a central heating system and what type it is, such as gas, electric, or another source. It shows how homes are heated, indicating the comfort and energy efficiency of the housing.

No central heating

0.9%

Mains gas only

85.1%

Tank or bottled gas only

0.2%

Electric only

4.6%

Oil only

0.1%

Wood only

0%

Solid fuel only

0%

Renewable energy only

0.1%

District/communal network

0.8%

Other

0.4%

2 or more types (exc renewable)

7.6%

2 or more types (inc renewable)

0.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Education

Schools, education, and learning in the Oldham OL2 area are pivotal aspects that shape the development and future prospects of our community's young residents.

Highest Level of Qualification

"Highest Level of Qualification" in the Census 2021 refers to the most advanced qualification or degree a person has achieved. It ranges from no qualifications to advanced degrees like a master's or doctorate, helping to show the education level of the population.

No qualifications

20.1%

Level 1 and entry level

10.8%

Level 2 qualifications

14.1%

Apprenticeship

8%

Level 3 qualifications

18%

Level 4 and above

26.1%

 Line shows UK average.

School children & students

"Schoolchildren and Full-Time Students" in the Census 2021 refers to individuals who are either attending school or studying full-time at a college or university. This category includes young people in education and adults who are pursuing full-time studies.

Students

17.5%

Not a student

82.5%

 Line shows UK average.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity in Oldham OL2 contributes to its rich cultural tapestry, showcasing diversity and heritage within the community.

Ethnic Group

Range of ethnic groups in Oldham (OL2) postcode area, including Asian, Black, Mixed, White, and Other, providing a snapshot of the city's cultural diversity and demographics.

Bangladeshi

3.1%

Chinese

0.5%

Indian

0.6%

Pakistani

0.9%

African

1.8%

Mixed or Multiple

1.5%

White

90.1%

Arab

0.1%

Other

0.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Country of Birth

"Country of birth" in the Census 2021 refers to the country where a person in OL2 was born, regardless of their current nationality or where they live when the census took place. It refers to the country in which they were born.

United Kingdom

94.5%

EU countries

1.8%

Non-EU countries

0.1%

Africa

1.2%

Middle East and Asia

2.1%

Americas and the Caribbean

0.3%

Antarctica and Oceania

0.1%

British Overseas

0%

 Line shows UK average.

Length of Residence

"Length of residence" in the Census 2021 refers to the total amount of time a person born outside the UK has lived in the UK. It helps understand how long immigrants have been living in the country, whether continuously or in total over multiple periods.

Born in the UK

94.6%

10 yrs +

3.7%

5 - 10 yrs

0.6%

2 - 5 yrs

0.6%

Less than 2 yrs

0.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Year of Arrival

"Year of arrival" in the Census 2021 refers to the year when someone who wasn't born in the UK first came to live in the UK. It helps track when people who were born abroad started living in the country.

Born in the UK

94.9%

Arrived before 1951

0.2%

Arrived 1951 to 1960

0.2%

Arrived 1961 to 1970

0.4%

Arrived 1971 to 1980

0.4%

Arrived 1981 to 1990

0.5%

Arrived 1991 to 2000

0.5%

Arrived 2001 to 2010

1.2%

Arrived 2011 to 2013

0.3%

Arrived 2014 to 2016

0.5%

Arrived 2017 to 2019

0.7%

Arrived 2020 to 2021

0.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Passports Held

"Passports held" in the Census 2021 means the number and types of passports people in OL2 have. This shows the countries or nations where they have citizenship or the right to travel freely. It could include passports from the UK, other countries, or multiple countries.

No passport

0%

United Kingdom

85.4%

Ireland

0.4%

Other Europe

0.9%

Africa

0.3%

Middle East and Asia

0%

Americas and the Caribbean

0%

Antarctica and Oceania

0%

British Overseas Territories

0%

 Line shows UK average.

Age of Arrival in the UK

"Age of Arrival in the UK" in the Census 2021 indicates how old a person was when they first came to live in the UK if they were born in another country. It helps to understand at what stage of life they moved to the UK.

Born in the UK

94.3%

Aged 0 to 4 years

1.3%

Aged 5 to 7 years

0.4%

Aged 8 to 9 years

0.3%

Aged 10 to 14 years

0.4%

Aged 15 years

0%

Aged 16 to 17 years

0.1%

Aged 18 to 19 years

0.3%

Aged 20 to 24 years

0.6%

Aged 25 to 29 years

0.8%

Aged 30 to 44 years

1%

Aged 45 to 59 years

0.3%

Aged 60 to 64 years

0%

Aged 65 to 74 years

0%

Aged 75 to 84 years

0%

Aged 85 to 89 years

0%

Aged 90 years and over

0%

 Line shows UK average.

Income

Income in Oldham OL2 provides a crucial insight into economic dynamics, reflecting earning levels and financial well-being among residents. Understanding income distribution is key to addressing economic disparities and shaping community initiatives.

Health

Health in the Oldham OL2 postcode sector is a vital indicator of well-being, reflecting the overall physical and mental health of our community members.

General Health

"General Health" in the Census 2021 is a self-assessment where people rate their overall health as very good, good, fair, bad, or very bad. It provides a snapshot of how people perceive their physical and mental well-being.

Very good health

45.8%

Good health

33.1%

Fair health

15.2%

Bad health

4.5%

Very bad health

1.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Disabilities

"Disabilities (TS038)" in the Census 2021 refers to data collected about whether a person has a disability or health condition that limits their day-to-day activities. It includes whether these limitations are substantial and long-term, helping to understand the prevalence and impact of disabilities within the population.

Disabled

18.9%

Disabled (limited a lot)

8.2%

Disabled (limited a little)

10.7%

Not disabled

81.1%

Not disabled (long term condition)

7%

Not disabled (no physical or mental conditions)

74.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Transportation

Transportation in Oldham OL2 encompasses various modes and accessibility of travel, essential for the daily commute and connectivity of residents.

Car Ownership and Transport

Residents of OL2 enjoy a higher-than-average car ownership rate, with an average of 2.16 cars per household, compared to the UK average of 1.4. This suggests that many families rely on personal vehicles for transportation. The area is well-served by public transport, including bus routes and the Shaw and Crompton railway station, providing easy access to nearby towns and cities.

Car Ownership

Distribution of car ownership among households in Oldham (OL2), encompassing 'no cars,' '1 car,' '2 cars,' and '3+ cars,' providing a comprehensive snapshot of transportation patterns in the area.

No Cars/Vans

24.1%

1 Car

43.8%

2 Cars

25.3%

3+ Cars

6.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Method of Travel

"Method of travel" in the Census 2021 refers to how people usually get to work. It includes options like walking, driving, taking the bus, cycling, or using the train. This table describes resident's main mode of transport when commuting.

Work mainly at or from home

22.8%

Underground, metro, light rail, tram

0.6%

Train

0.1%

Bus, minibus or coach

3.8%

Taxi

1.5%

Motorcycle, scooter or moped

0.2%

Driving a car or van

55.5%

Passenger in a car or van

5.2%

Bicycle

0.9%

On foot

8.5%

 Line shows UK average.

Commuting Distance

"Distance Travelled to Work" in the Census 2021 refers to how far people in Oldham (OL2) usually travel from home to their workplace. It measures the length of their commute, whether it's a short walk or a long drive, helping to understand commuting patterns.

Less than 2km

15.5%

2km to less than 5km

21.5%

5km to less than 10km

12%

10km to less than 20km

9.3%

20km to less than 30km

1.7%

30km to less than 40km

0.8%

40km to less than 60km

0.6%

60km and over

0.6%

Works mainly from home

22.6%

 Line shows UK average.

Crime

Crime in Oldham OL2 provides insights into safety and security, impacting the overall quality of life for residents.

Crime Rate

The crime rank for OL2 stands at 2090/32482, indicating a relatively safe environment for residents. This ranking suggests that while there are always concerns regarding safety, the area is considered one of the better places to live in terms of crime rates, contributing to the overall appeal for families and individuals alike.

Crime statistics coming soon.