Ashton-in-Makerfield vs Skelmersdale
Which is better to live in? Distance: 6.8 miles apart.
The verdict
Property in Ashton In Makerfield is about 26% cheaper on average. Skelmersdale has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Ashton In Makerfield edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Ashton-in-Makerfield
£170,063
Skelmersdale
£228,572
Crime Rate
Ashton-in-Makerfield
92.3
Skelmersdale
48.3
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Ashton-in-Makerfield
90.9%
Skelmersdale
83.3%
Avg Download Speed
Ashton-in-Makerfield
420
Skelmersdale
316.7
EPC Rating
Ashton-in-Makerfield
71.8
Skelmersdale
70.6
Median Income
Ashton-in-Makerfield
£30,304
Skelmersdale
£31,131
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in North WestThe average house price in Ashton In Makerfield is £170,063, which is 26% less than Skelmersdale at £228,572. The most affordable entry point in Ashton In Makerfield is a flat at £82,714, while in Skelmersdale it is a flat at £115,267.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: flat homes are 28% pricier in Skelmersdale (£115,267 vs £82,714).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Skelmersdale prices grew faster — 36% vs 13%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in North WestWith 48.3 offences per 1,000 people, Skelmersdale is the safer of the two – 91% lower than Ashton In Makerfield's 92.3 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Ashton In Makerfield is violent-crime, while in Skelmersdale 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 WestAshton In Makerfield has 90.9% of schools in the top two inspection bands, compared to 83.3% in Skelmersdale. Ashton In Makerfield has 11 schools in total, while Skelmersdale has 18.
Ashton-in-Makerfield School Inspection Breakdown
90.9% of 11 schools (8 primary, 3 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Skelmersdale School Inspection Breakdown
83.3% of 18 schools (16 primary, 2 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Ashton-in-Makerfield | Skelmersdale |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 11 | 18 |
| Primary | 8 | 16 |
| Secondary | 3 | 2 |
| % Top two bands | 90.9% | 83.3% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Ashton In Makerfield offers faster average downloads at 420.0 Mbps, compared to 316.7 Mbps in Skelmersdale. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 96.7% of premises in Ashton In Makerfield and 95% in Skelmersdale. Gigabit availability stands at 81.4% in Ashton In Makerfield and 52.6% in Skelmersdale.
Ashton In Makerfield is the faster of the two by 33% on average download speed (420 vs 317 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Homes in Ashton In Makerfield are more energy-efficient on average, with an EPC score of 71.8 (band C) versus 70.6 (band C) in Skelmersdale. Estimated annual energy costs average £1,028 in Ashton In Makerfield and £1,271 in Skelmersdale. 68.8% of homes in Ashton In Makerfield have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 64.7% in Skelmersdale.
Ashton In Makerfield has more energy-efficient housing — 68.8% reach band C or above, vs 64.7% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £31,131 in Skelmersdale and £30,304 in Ashton In Makerfield. The median age is 43.6 in Ashton In Makerfield and 45 in Skelmersdale. Employment rates stand at 56.2% in Ashton In Makerfield and 54.5% in Skelmersdale. Owner-occupancy is 65.3% in Ashton In Makerfield versus 70.7% in Skelmersdale.
| Indicator | Ashton-in-Makerfield | Skelmersdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,367 | 34,921 |
| Median Age | 43.6 | 45 |
| Median Household Income | £30,304 | £31,131 |
| Employment Rate | 56.2% | 54.5% |
| Owner Occupied | 65.3% | 70.7% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 26.5% | 30% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Ashton In Makerfield and Skelmersdale?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Ashton In Makerfield or Skelmersdale?
Is Ashton In Makerfield or Skelmersdale safer?
Which has better schools, Ashton In Makerfield or Skelmersdale?
Which has faster broadband, Ashton In Makerfield or Skelmersdale?
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