Atherton vs Ramsbottom
Which is better to live in? Distance: 10.3 miles apart.
The verdict
Atherton is the more affordable option, with average house prices around 36% lower. Ramsbottom has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Atherton edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Atherton
£190,266
Ramsbottom
£295,149
Crime Rate
Atherton
92.3
Ramsbottom
91.8
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Atherton
100.0%
Ramsbottom
60.0%
Avg Download Speed
Atherton
463.3
Ramsbottom
399.6
EPC Rating
Atherton
71.4
Ramsbottom
70.2
Median Income
Atherton
£29,107
Ramsbottom
£31,006
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in North WestAt £190,266, Atherton undercuts Ramsbottom (£295,149) by around 36% on average house prices. The most affordable entry point in Atherton is a flat at £118,767, while in Ramsbottom it is a flat at £190,250.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: flat homes are 38% pricier in Ramsbottom (£190,250 vs £118,767).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Ramsbottom prices grew faster — 55% vs -12%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in North WestRamsbottom has a crime rate of 91.8 per 1,000 residents, which is 1% lower than Atherton at 92.3 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Atherton is violent-crime, while in Ramsbottom 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 WestOf the 11 schools in Atherton, 100% are in the top two inspection bands. In Ramsbottom, which has 8 schools, the figure is 60%.
Atherton School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 11 schools (10 primary, 1 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Ramsbottom School Inspection Breakdown
60% of 8 schools (7 primary, 1 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Atherton | Ramsbottom |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 11 | 8 |
| Primary | 10 | 7 |
| Secondary | 1 | 1 |
| % Top two bands | 100% | 60% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Broadband in Atherton averages 463.3 Mbps – ahead of Ramsbottom's 399.6 Mbps. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 99.4% of premises in Atherton and 95.4% in Ramsbottom. Gigabit availability stands at 91.3% in Atherton and 74.8% in Ramsbottom.
Atherton is the faster of the two by 16% on average download speed (463 vs 400 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Atherton leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 71.4 (C), while Ramsbottom averages 70.2 (C). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,087 in Atherton and £1,291 in Ramsbottom. 66.6% of homes in Atherton have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 63% in Ramsbottom.
Atherton has more energy-efficient housing — 66.6% reach band C or above, vs 63% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £31,006 in Ramsbottom and £29,107 in Atherton. The median age is 41.9 in Atherton and 42.8 in Ramsbottom. Owner-occupancy is 64% in Atherton versus 67.4% in Ramsbottom. Employment rates stand at 55.8% in Atherton and 57.5% in Ramsbottom.
| Indicator | Atherton | Ramsbottom |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,321 | 17,074 |
| Median Age | 41.9 | 42.8 |
| Median Household Income | £29,107 | £31,006 |
| Employment Rate | 55.8% | 57.5% |
| Owner Occupied | 64% | 67.4% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 26.6% | 31.5% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Atherton and Ramsbottom?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Atherton or Ramsbottom?
Is Atherton or Ramsbottom safer?
Which has better schools, Atherton or Ramsbottom?
Which has faster broadband, Atherton or Ramsbottom?
Keep exploring