Ashton-in-Makerfield vs Atherton
Which is better to live in? Distance: 6.7 miles apart.
The verdict
Ashton In Makerfield is the more affordable option, with average house prices around 11% lower. Ashton In Makerfield has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Atherton edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Ashton-in-Makerfield
£170,063
Atherton
£190,266
Crime Rate
Ashton-in-Makerfield
92.3
Atherton
92.3
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Ashton-in-Makerfield
90.9%
Atherton
100.0%
Avg Download Speed
Ashton-in-Makerfield
420
Atherton
463.3
EPC Rating
Ashton-in-Makerfield
71.8
Atherton
71.4
Median Income
Ashton-in-Makerfield
£30,304
Atherton
£29,107
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in North WestProperty in Atherton commands an average of £190,266, compared with £170,063 in Ashton In Makerfield – a difference of 11%. The most affordable entry point in Ashton In Makerfield is a flat at £82,714, while in Atherton it is a flat at £118,767.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: flat homes are 30% pricier in Atherton (£118,767 vs £82,714).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Ashton In Makerfield prices grew faster — 13% vs -12%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in North WestAshton In Makerfield has a crime rate of 92.3 per 1,000 residents, which is 0% lower than Atherton at 92.3 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Ashton In Makerfield is violent-crime, while in Atherton it is violent-crime.
Crime Rate by Category (per 1,000 residents)
Both towns share the same top crime category: violent crime.
Schools & Education
Best for schools in North WestFamilies may prefer Atherton, where 100% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 90.9% in Ashton In Makerfield. There are 11 schools in Ashton In Makerfield and 11 in Atherton.
Ashton-in-Makerfield School Inspection Breakdown
90.9% of 11 schools (8 primary, 3 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Atherton School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 11 schools (10 primary, 1 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Ashton-in-Makerfield | Atherton |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 11 | 11 |
| Primary | 8 | 10 |
| Secondary | 3 | 1 |
| % Top two bands | 90.9% | 100% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 463.3 Mbps in Atherton and 420.0 Mbps in Ashton In Makerfield. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 96.7% of premises in Ashton In Makerfield and 99.4% in Atherton. Gigabit availability stands at 81.4% in Ashton In Makerfield and 91.3% in Atherton.
Atherton is the faster of the two by 10% on average download speed (463 vs 420 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Energy efficiency favours Ashton In Makerfield, scoring 71.8 on average (band C) compared to 71.4 (band C) in Atherton. Estimated annual energy costs average £1,028 in Ashton In Makerfield and £1,087 in Atherton. 68.8% of homes in Ashton In Makerfield have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 66.6% in Atherton.
Ashton In Makerfield has more energy-efficient housing — 68.8% reach band C or above, vs 66.6% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £30,304 in Ashton In Makerfield and £29,107 in Atherton. The median age is 43.6 in Ashton In Makerfield and 41.9 in Atherton. Employment rates stand at 56.2% in Ashton In Makerfield and 55.8% in Atherton. Owner-occupancy is 65.3% in Ashton In Makerfield versus 64% in Atherton. Ashton In Makerfield has a population of 26,367 and Atherton has 27,321.
| Indicator | Ashton-in-Makerfield | Atherton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,367 | 27,321 |
| Median Age | 43.6 | 41.9 |
| Median Household Income | £30,304 | £29,107 |
| Employment Rate | 56.2% | 55.8% |
| Owner Occupied | 65.3% | 64% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 26.5% | 26.6% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Ashton In Makerfield and Atherton?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Ashton In Makerfield or Atherton?
Is Ashton In Makerfield or Atherton safer?
Which has better schools, Ashton In Makerfield or Atherton?
Which has faster broadband, Ashton In Makerfield or Atherton?
Keep exploring
Related comparisons
Compare Ashton-in-Makerfield with other towns
- Adlington (Chorley) vs Ashton-in-Makerfield
- Aintree vs Ashton-in-Makerfield
- Altrincham vs Ashton-in-Makerfield
- Appley Bridge vs Ashton-in-Makerfield
- Ashton-in-Makerfield vs Aspull
- Ashton-in-Makerfield vs Astley
- Ashton-in-Makerfield vs Billinge
- Ashton-in-Makerfield vs Blackrod
- Ashton-in-Makerfield vs Bolton (Bolton)
- Ashton-in-Makerfield vs Bootle (Sefton)