About Birtle

Birtle is a village located in the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale, within Greater Manchester, England. It lies to the north of the town of Rochdale and is part of the historic county of Lancashire. The village is situated in a rural area, surrounded by open countryside and rolling hills, with the Pennine hills forming a backdrop to the west. Birtle has a long history as a farming community, and its character remains largely residential and peaceful. The village centre includes a few local shops, a pub, and a church, reflecting its traditional community feel. It is accessible via the A671 road, which connects it to nearby towns. The postcode area for Birtle is BL9, and it falls within the postal district of Rochdale. The area is known for its quiet atmosphere and proximity to natural landscapes, making it a pleasant place to live for those seeking a rural setting within easy reach of urban amenities.

School Ratings in Birtle

There are 177 schools in and around Birtle. Hoyle Nursery School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 16 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Birtle

The average property price is £203K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £138K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Birtle

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Public order is prevalent across Birtle, with 1 recorded incidents in March 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Birtle

Birtle sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Birtle

Broadband speeds in Birtle are generally strong, with superfast and ultrafast options widely available. Mobile coverage across 4G and 5G networks is reliable throughout most of the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 6,299 sales

Average Price £203K
£200 £10.24M
Detached £337K 748
Semi £202K 1,863
Terraced £138K 2,569
Flat £117K 680

Deprivation and Employment in Birtle IMD 2025

Birtle sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
4/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
4/10
13,826 Children (0-15) 20%
42,140 Working Age 62%
15,899 Older (60+) 23%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 41.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 22.9% 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 Birtle 1 crimes · March 2026

Low Crime Area

Birtle records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Public order is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled town with a strong sense of community.

1 Public Order
Local Policing
Greater Manchester Norden 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

Castleton (Manchester) Train Station 3.4 miles
Rochdale Train Station 4 miles
Smithy Bridge Train Station 5.8 miles
Mills Hill (Manchester) Train Station 5.9 miles
Littleborough Train Station 6.4 miles
Bromley Cross (Lancs) Train Station 6.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Bury
County Lancashire
Ward Bury East
Constituency Bury North
Parish Bury, unparished area
Region North West