Living in BL3: Liveability Score 68/100
Bolton, North West
Last updated 25 June 2026
Postcodes scored in this district
Every active postcode in BL3, each shaded by its own score. Postcode districts have no official boundary. These points are exactly what the score is averaged from. Clustered pins are other districts. Tap one to view or compare it, or zoom in to reveal more.
Each postcode is coloured by its own overall score on the default weighting. Scores are filled in as postcodes get searched on the site, so a blue dot just means that postcode hasn't been scored yet.
BL3 scores 68 but individual postcodes tell the full story
See the exact score for any postcode, side by side with BL3.
Score breakdown
Safety & Environment
Recorded crime is above the national average. The police force here doesn’t publish street-level data, so this is a district-level estimate from Home Office recorded-crime totals for Bolton (year ending Dec 2025): 30,504 offences. It can’t be broken down by location or crime type.
Broadly acceptable environment.
Services
11 Outstanding, 58 Good out of 71 rated schools.
Healthcare provision is rated well above average by CQC. 8 GP surgeries and 7 hospital facilities serve the area.
96% gigabit coverage; 99% have superfast (≥30 Mbps).
Economy & Bills
IMD deprivation decile 3/10, above-average deprivation.
Band D council tax £2,400/year, typical EPC rating D. Running costs are broadly average.
Transport
Excellent public transport: well connected by rail, tube, and/or bus.
Lifestyle
Good variety of shops, cafés, and leisure facilities within reach. Around 638 amenities within 2km of the typical resident.
BL3 covers 1,380 active postcodes in Bolton, North West.
Frequently asked questions
Is BL3 a safe area to live?
BL3 scores 24/100 for safety. Recorded crime is above the national average. The police force here doesn’t publish street-level data, so this is a district-level estimate from Home Office recorded-crime totals for Bolton (year ending Dec 2025): 30,504 offences. It can’t be broken down by location or crime type.
What are the schools like in BL3?
Schools in BL3 score 86/100. 11 Outstanding, 58 Good out of 71 rated schools.
How good is the broadband in BL3?
Broadband in BL3 scores 87/100. 96% gigabit coverage; 99% have superfast (≥30 Mbps).
How does BL3 compare to nearby areas?
Nearby districts include BL11, BL78, BL4. Use the PostcodeScorer comparison tool to compare them side by side.
What is the overall liveability score for BL3?
BL3 scores 68/100, rated "Good", across nine categories: safety, schools, healthcare, environment, transport, lifestyle, broadband, economic health, and bills. The UK average is approximately 62/100.
Towns & cities in BL3
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