Manchester is a vibrant city with much to offer. However, in recent years, some rough areas in Manchester have seen an increase in violent crime in this city, such as Moss Side and Salford, which has led to growing concerns about safety in Manchester. This blog will look at the top 10 roughest areas of Manchester and help you make an informed decision when living and studying in Manchester. We will also list possible safety measures that you can take to make your time in Manchester safe.
10 Most Rough Areas of Manchester
Central Manchester
Manchester city centre is the busiest business district, with shopping centres, nightlife, retail and public transport hubs all clustered around it, resulting in high levels of daily footfall and high levels of theft, violence and anti-social behaviour. The area tops the list with a crime rate of 169.37 crimes per 1,000 people.
Bolton
Bolton has been named as one of the ‘10 most dangerous places in the UK’ with a high crime rate of 127.3 crimes per 1,000 people. With a mix of commercial and residential areas, the area is a hotspot for criminal activity, with high levels of burglary and violent crime.
Longsight
Longsight is a residential area in South Manchester with a higher crime rate than other areas. Historically, this area has met social and economic challenges that may have contributed to unrest within the community. According to reports, there have been drug-related offenses, including drug dealing and possession. In addition, anti-social behavior and property-related crimes such as burglary and car theft are more frequent than in other areas.
Moss Side
Moss Side is an inner city in the south of the city, which has been one of the rough parts of Manchester for a long time, with 87.2 per thousand resident population as the annual total crime rate. Moss Side is known for its high crime rate and illegal activities, including the prevalence of drugs, theft, and gang-related activities. Recently, the local council and police department have increased the investment in public safety in Moss Side by adding surveillance equipment and community policies. However, you still better take care of your safety when walking around in the area, especially at night.
Rochdale
Rochdale is located in the north of Manchester and has a crime rate of 130.8 crimes per 1,000 population. Parts of Rochdale’s neighbourhoods face high levels of unemployment and deprivation, which indirectly contributes to an increase in the number of crimes, with issues such as burglary and vehicle crime being more prevalent here.
Salford
Salford is a city near Manchester and is often listed as an option to consider when living in Manchester. During 2023, a total of 34,372 offenses were reported in Salford, with an increase in violence, theft, car theft, and public order offenses. According to Greater Manchester Police, the crime rate in Salford in 2023 was 122.37 per 1,000 people.
Oldham
As of last year, crime in Oldham is still going up. There has been an average increase of 25% in crimes such as drug offenses, crimes with weapons, bike theft, stalking, and harassment. Although crimes such as residential burglaries have dropped significantly by 24%, Oldham still has an overall crime rate of 113.21 crimes per 1000 people, making it one of the worst places to live in Manchester.
Cheetham
Cheetham has long been known as one of the worst areas within Manchester, rife with anti-social behaviour and gang crime. The Cheetham Hill gang here was once listed as one of the most dangerous and well-organised gangs in British history. Last year, Manchester Police announced a 50% reduction in crime in Cheetham, which even pulled down the overall crime rate in Greater Manchester.
Beswick
Beswick’s insecurity is evident from reports that in March 2024 alone, 125 crimes were reported within the area, including burglary, vandalism, anti-social crime, and roadside crime, making it one of the most dangerous areas in Manchester.
Old Trafford
Old Trafford is a safe area within Manchester with a crime rate of only 20.6 per 1000 people. However, it could become one of the rough areas of Manchester during the match day. This area is the home to Old Trafford, one of the most recognisable football stadiums in the world. Fights and anti-social offences can be reported whenever an important match is going on, from small arguments on the pitch to dozens of people at the time of a brawl.
The Crime Rate of Greater Manchester
| Area | Crime Rate |
|---|---|
| Trafford | 76.09 |
| Stockport | 83.60 |
| Bury | 101.04 |
| Wigan | 105.07 |
| Tameside | 106.58 |
| Bolton | 113.86 |
| Rochdale | 114.95 |
| Oldham | 118.26 |
| Salford | 122.37 |
| Manchester | 168.07 |
– All data from POLICE.UK
Is Manchester Safe to Live
Manchester is the second largest city in the UK, with a crime rate of 168.07 per 1,000 people in 2024, higher than the UK-wide rate of 84 crimes per 1,000 people. Despite the high crime rate, it is still a relatively safe option for living. Most of the crime in Manchester involves acquaintances and there is very little random social violence. Simply avoid the dangerous areas of Bolton, Rochdale, Moss Side and Oldham to enjoy a relatively safe living experience. In addition, Greater Manchester launched its new Police and Crime Plan on 18th December 2024, which sets out 10 limited issues to reduce crime in the city, including improving policing coverage, reducing anti-social behaviour, tackling drug addiction, and improving 999 and 101 call answering times and services.
Find a Safe Accommodation in Manchester
If you are looking for a safe and comfortable living environment, uhomes.com is your most reliable partner. We have selected the safest neighbourhoods, homes, and student accommodation in Manchester, away from dangerous areas. Whether you are a student, a commuter, or a tourist, you will find the right property for you. Our listings are carefully screened for location and amenities to keep your stay safe. In addition, we offer 24-hour customer service, and we are ready to help you solve problems.
Types of Crime in Manchester 2024
This table shows data on the type of crime in Manchester in 2024. The Violence against the person and Theft offenses types are the most prevalent, at 129,184 and 93,822, accounting for over 66% of all crimes.
Compare Manchester to Other Cities
| Area | Crime Rate |
|---|---|
| Coventry | 101.62 |
| Cardiff | 110.33 |
| Portsmouth | 113.52 |
| Nottingham | 117.23 |
| Norwich | 117.30 |
| Birmingham | 121.33 |
| Salford | 122.37 |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | 123.27 |
| Leicester | 124.47 |
| Bristol | 128.95 |
| Liverpool | 129.17 |
| Kingston upon Hull | 133.00 |
| Lincoln | 137.33 |
| Blackpool | 154.45 |
| Manchester | 168.07 |
– All data from POLICE.UK
Manchester Compare To Globally Cities
According to Numbeo’s statistics and research, Manchester has a Safety Index of 44.9, ranking it 245th in the world, which is higher than some of the most recognisable cities such as Chicago, Coventry, Houston and Paris. The safest city in the world is Abu Dhabi in the UAE, with a Safety Index of 88.3. It’s worth noting that Manchester’s Safety Index in 2021 is 43.9 and will continue to rise over the next three years, reflecting the relentless efforts of government departments and the community to keep things safe.
Conclusion
Safety in Manchester is not a fixed number. Where you live and how you deal with the safety of your person and property can all affect the living experience. Whilst this article lists some of the rough areas of Manchester, the main aim is to help you avoid living in dangerous environments, and you can still be confident that the city of Manchester is safe. The government and the community are constantly improving policing and campaigning to tackle crime and provide a safe environment for you to live in.
FAQ
Where are the rough areas of Manchester?
Here are 10 rough areas of Manchester you should know about. These range from busy business districts to remote suburbs in the principle city centre. These areas can be home to a variety of crimes and threats to personal safety:
- Central Manchester
- Bolton
- Longsight
- Moss Side
- Rochdale
- Salford
- Oldham
- Cheetham
- Beswick
- Old Trafford
Is Manchester rough at night?
Manchester is generally safe at night. There is unlikely to be a risk of encountering physical harm, although the crime rate for theft and robbery may be higher than during the day. At night, it is best to keep your finances in sight at all times and to avoid travelling to off-the-beaten-path areas.
Which area of Manchester has low crime?
Some areas of Manchester are often considered to have lower crime rates compared to other areas. Some of the most notable include
- Didsbury: Known for its tree-lined streets, parks and relaxed atmosphere, Didsbury has always been one of the safest areas in Manchester.
- Chorlton-cum-Hardy: This vibrant area boasts a strong community spirit, superb local amenities and generally low crime rates.
- Sale: This suburb is popular with families has good schools and strong communities. It also has a low crime rate.
Is London or Manchester safer?
Manchester and London are generally safe cities. However, as two of the largest cities in the UK, they both house large populations, which indirectly increases the crime rate. Both cities have some dangerous areas filled with various crimes and high crime rates that should be avoided at all costs.
