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Ashton-in-Makerfield vs Skelmersdale

Which is better to live in? Distance: 6.8 miles apart.

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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

The 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%.

With 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.

Ashton 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.

MetricAshton-in-MakerfieldSkelmersdale
Total Schools1118
Primary816
Secondary32
% Top two bands90.9%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.

IndicatorAshton-in-MakerfieldSkelmersdale
Population26,36734,921
Median Age43.645
Median Household Income£30,304£31,131
Employment Rate56.2%54.5%
Owner Occupied65.3%70.7%
Degree-Level Qualified26.5%30%

Location

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How far apart are Ashton In Makerfield and Skelmersdale?
Ashton In Makerfield and Skelmersdale are approximately 6.8 miles apart as the crow flies.
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Ashton In Makerfield or Skelmersdale?
Ashton In Makerfield is cheaper, with an average house price of £170,063.
Is Ashton In Makerfield or Skelmersdale safer?
Skelmersdale has the lower crime rate at 48.3 per 1,000 residents.
Which has better schools, Ashton In Makerfield or Skelmersdale?
Ashton In Makerfield has the higher share of schools in the top two inspection bands at 90.9%.
Which has faster broadband, Ashton In Makerfield or Skelmersdale?
Ashton In Makerfield has faster average broadband at 420.0 Mbps.

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