Manchester
Wide panoramic aerial shot on a beautiful summer day during lock-down in Manchester UK
Manchester (M) Postcode Area
Manchester: Thriving cultural scene, historic industrial roots, world-class sports, and vibrant nightlife. A city that never sleeps.
Manchester Postcode Area includes:
Manchester, Salford, Sale.
Discover everything you need to know about Manchester 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 Manchester (M), 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
Discover the Manchester heartbeat - these four industries are the most prevalent in the area, offering a snapshot of the local economy and its driving forces.
Professional & Scientific
Manchester 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 Manchester 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.
Construction
Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester area is pretty active and could be on the up.
Business Administration
If a postcode area such as M 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 Manchester 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.
Retail
Manchester 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 Manchester, it's handy for convenience, but it could also bring a lot of traffic and noise during peak shopping hours.
Major Employers
Major employers and businesses in the M postcode area include:
Kellogg's
Food Manufacturing, Manchester (near Bolton)
A leading global food company known for its cereal and snack products, with production facilities near Bolton.
Postcode Location: M50
Shepherd Neame Brewery
Food & Drink Manufacturing, Faversham
The UK's oldest brewery, producing a range of beers and running a chain of pubs and hotels across the region.
Postcode Location: ME13
Data showing the activity, size and location is from the Inter Departmental Business Register 2024, produced by the ONS.
Key Statistics
Manchester M, part of the ceremonial county of Greater Manchester in England, presents a substantial geographical area with 43 outward codes (the first half of a postcode, e.g. M 1AA). Its population stands at 1,271,054 individuals, reflecting a density of 4,354 people per square kilometre. The average household income here is £40,718 , which is 16.3% higher than the average UK median household income (£35,000), indicating a stable economic profile within the region.
Postcode Area
Manchester
Total Outward Codes
Postcodes
Population
People
Population Density
People/km2
Average Income
Per household
What's Manchester like to live and work in?
Wide panoramic aerial shot on a beautiful summer day during lock-down in Manchester UK
Adobe Stock
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to the Manchester Outward Postcode area, a vibrant and diverse region within the North West region of the United Kingdom.
This page serves as an introduction to everything you need to know about the Manchester postal town, featuring detailed information about its outward postcodes, demographics, amenities, Census data, property prices, local events, schools, hotels, transport, travel, leisure facilities, and much more.
This page contains a list of postcode districts for Manchester area. Select a postcode to see the map location, demographics, house prices, local information, tourist guides and statistics:
Manchester (M) Postcode Districts
Manchester M postcode area contains 43 postcode districts within its boundary.
Click on an outward postal code (the first half of a postcode, i.e. M*) to explore information about the area.
House Prices in Manchester
How are property price trends?
The ONS (Office for National Statistics) regularly tracks and records average house prices and rents in this area (E08000003). Note that these estimates are based on local authority rather than postcode area. For more information about current house prices, choose an individual postcode below.
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
In the M postal area, you'll find an extensive rail network connecting you to major cities across the UK. Manchester Piccadilly is the primary hub, offering frequent services to London, Edinburgh, and other key destinations, making it a great choice for both commuting and leisure trips.
Air Travel
Manchester Airport, one of the largest airports in the UK, provides excellent air connectivity. With numerous domestic and international flights, travelling by air is convenient and efficient. Whether you're jetting off for a business trip or a holiday, you'll find plenty of options.
Commuting by Car
The M postal area benefits from well-maintained roads and motorways, including the M60 ring road. This makes commuting by car quite straightforward. You'll have easy access to nearby cities and towns, as well as to the countryside for those weekend getaways.
Bus Services
Public transport is well-supported with a comprehensive bus network. Regular services operate within Manchester and surrounding areas, making it simple to travel without a car. Buses are frequent, reliable, and an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Cycling and Walking
The area is also becoming increasingly cycle-friendly with dedicated lanes and bike-sharing schemes. For those who prefer walking, there are pleasant routes for short commutes or leisurely strolls. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
Train Stations
The following railway stations are within the M postcode region:
Airbles Railway Station
Airdrie Railway Station
Ardwick Railway Station
Ashburys Railway Station
Aspley Guise Railway Station
Atherton Railway Station
Aylesford Railway Station
Barming Railway Station
Bearsted Railway Station
Bedford Midland Railway Station
Bedford St.Johns Railway Station
Belle Vue Railway Station
Bellshill Railway Station
Blairhill Railway Station
Bletchley Railway Station
Bow Brickhill Railway Station
Burnage Railway Station
Caldercruix Railway Station
Carfin Railway Station
Carluke Railway Station
Carstairs Railway Station
Chassen Road Railway Station
Chatelherault Railway Station
Chatham Railway Station
Cleland Railway Station
Clifton Railway Station
Coatbridge Central Railway Station
Coatbridge Sunnyside Railway Station
Coatdyke Railway Station
Cuxton Railway Station
Deansgate Railway Station
Denton Railway Station
Drumgelloch Railway Station
East Didsbury Railway Station
East Farleigh Railway Station
East Malling Railway Station
Eccles Railway Station
Fairfield Railway Station
Faversham Railway Station
Fenny Stratford Railway Station
Flitwick Railway Station
Flixton Railway Station
Gillingham (Kent) Railway Station
Gorton Railway Station
Guide Bridge Railway Station
Hadfield Railway Station
Hag Fold Railway Station
Halling Railway Station
Hamilton Central Railway Station
Hamilton West Railway Station
Harrietsham Railway Station
Hartwood Railway Station
Higham Railway Station
Hollingbourne Railway Station
Holytown Railway Station
Humphrey Park Railway Station
Irlam Railway Station
Kearsley Railway Station
Kempston Hardwick Railway Station
Kemsley Railway Station
Kirkwood Railway Station
Lanark Railway Station
Larkhall Railway Station
Lenham Railway Station
Levenshulme Railway Station
Lidlington Railway Station
Maidstone Barracks Railway Station
Maidstone East Railway Station
Maidstone West Railway Station
Manchester Airport Railway Station
Manchester Oxford Road Railway Station
Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station
Manchester Victoria Railway Station
Mauldeth Road Railway Station
Merryton Railway Station
Millbrook (Bedfordshire) Railway Station
Mills Hill Railway Station
Milton Keynes Central Railway Station
Moorside Railway Station
Moston Railway Station
Motherwell Railway Station
New Hythe Railway Station
Newington Railway Station
Patricroft Railway Station
Queenborough Railway Station
Rainham (Kent) Railway Station
Ridgmont Railway Station
Rochester Railway Station
Salford Railway Station
Salford Crescent Railway Station
Selling Railway Station
Sheerness-On-Sea Railway Station
Shieldmuir Railway Station
Shotts Railway Station
Sittingbourne Railway Station
Snodland Railway Station
Stewartby Railway Station
Strood Railway Station
Swale Railway Station
Swinton (Greater Manchester) Railway Station
Teynham Railway Station
Trafford Park Railway Station
Urmston Railway Station
Walkden Railway Station
Wateringbury Railway Station
West Malling Railway Station
Whifflet Railway Station
Wishaw Railway Station
Woburn Sands Railway Station
Wolverton Railway Station
Yalding Railway Station
Local Authorities
M 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 M postcode area includes the following local authorities:
Bolton
Bolton Council is active in urban regeneration and community development, providing extensive public services that focus on enhancing educational opportunities and supporting local economic growth.
Bury
Bury Council manages services that bolster community well-being and local commerce, with a significant focus on cultural development and maintaining its vibrant local market tradition.
Cheshire East
Cheshire East Council oversees a mix of urban and rural areas, focusing on fostering a strong local economy, enhancing transportation, and supporting community health and environmental sustainability.
+ 8 more
Cheshire East
Manchester
Oldham
Rochdale
Salford
Stockport
Tameside
Trafford
Wigan
View all Local AuthoritiesGDP (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 Manchester (M) 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 Manchester (M) 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 £1,867 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 M
As rated by Ofsted
- Bridgewater Primary School
Bridgewater Street, Manchester, M38 9WD
Primary School (3-11)Outstanding - Abbey Court Foundation Special School
Rede Court Road, Rochester, ME2 3SP
Secondary School (3-19)Outstanding - Sacred Heart RC Primary School
Knutsford Road, Manchester, M18 7NJ
Primary School (3-11)Outstanding - Five Acre Wood School
Boughton Lane, Maidstone, ME15 9QF
Secondary School (2-19)Outstanding - Pioneer House High School
200 Yewtree Lane, Manchester, M23 0FF
Secondary School (11-19)Outstanding - St Mary's Church of England Aided Primary School, Prestwich
Rectory Lane, Manchester, M25 1BP
Primary School (3-11)Outstanding - Brentwood School
Cherry Lane, Sale, M33 4GY
Secondary School (11-19)Outstanding - Maids Moreton Church of England School
Avenue Road, Maids Moreton, MK18 1QA
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Delamere School
Irlam Road, Manchester, M41 6AP
Primary School (2-11)Outstanding - The Deans Primary School
Stanwell Road, Manchester, M27 5TD
Primary School (3-11)Outstanding
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