Census cheshire east

What is the census?

Every ten years the Office for National Statistics (ONS) carries out a census to find out more about the people who live in England and Wales, and about the make-up of local neighbourhoods.

The census provides the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in Cheshire East. The information helps decide how to plan and fund services. This could mean things like doctors' surgeries, housing, or new bus routes. There is no other survey that gives as much information about our society and future needs.

Headlines from the 2021 Census

The Office for National Statistics released headline figures for councils in England & Wales on 28 June 2022.  The headlines show:

• Growth in the population for Cheshire East, which now stands at 398,800 residents – an increase of 28,700 from the previous census in 2011

• The population in the borough has increased by 7.7 per cent since the last census in 2011, compared to 6.3 per cent in England and Wales, and 5.2 per cent in the North West region
• Cheshire East now remains the third largest of the 39 local authorities in the North West – behind Manchester and Liverpool – and fifteenth largest in England
• Cheshire East is the ninth least densely populated in the North West, with around two people living on each football pitch-sized area of land
• Cheshire East has the fifth largest population increase across the North West region, below Salford (15.4 per cent), Chorley (9.9 per cent), Manchester (9.7 per cent) and Cheshire West and Chester (8.4 per cent)
• The oldest aged group (those aged 90 and above) increased by a third (32 per cent) in Cheshire East which is above the England average (23 per cent)
• We have also seen individuals aged 70 to 74 increase by nearly half (45 per cent), which was also above the England average (37 per cent)
• Some younger age groups also increased, for example those aged 30-34 increased by a quarter (24 per cent), nearly twice the England average (13 per cent).

These latest ONS results reveal an increase in the population in England and Wales of more than 3.5 million (6.3 per cent) compared with Census Day 2011.

Further information from the 2021 Census is expected to be released in the Autumn of 2022.  More information about the release plans are available on the website of the Office for National Statistics.

This page will be updated when more information is available.

Past, present and future of the census

The census takes place every ten years. The first census was in 1801 and the most recent was Sunday 21 March 2021.

Page last reviewed: 03 March 2022

Population

The latest population estimate for Cheshire East is:

398,800

The population density of Cheshire East = 342 residents per square km.

By population, Cheshire East is the 3rd largest Unitary Authority in the North West, and the 17th largest in the country.

The source for these population figures is the 2021 Census. These population estimates will next be updated in or around June 2023 when the 2022 -mid-year population figures are expected.

Other facts and figures

Other facts and figures about Cheshire East can be found on this Open Data Portal, which the council uses to share data and information.  Information released as part of the council's commitment to transparency is available on our open data and transparency page. 

Examples of the types of facts and figures that can be found on this Open Data Portal include:

• Deprivation figures for different small areas in Cheshire East
• Environmental data
• Various community data

Further information taken from the census can be accessed on the census page of this site.

Twitter

Follow us on Twitter @CECResearch to see newly-released information about the borough.

Page last reviewed: 05 April 2022

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Census 2021 results show Cheshire East’s population has risen by almost 30,000 since the previous survey in 2011.

In total, 98% of Cheshire East population completed the 2021 Census, higher than the 97% national average.

Headline results from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed a growth in population in Cheshire East, which now stands at 398,800 residents – an increase of 28,700 from the previous census in 2011.

The population in the borough has increased by 7.7% since the last census, compared to 6.3% in England and Wales, and 5.2% in the North West region.

Cheshire East is now the third largest of 39 North West local authorities, behind Manchester and Liverpool, and is 15th largest in England.

Cheshire East is the ninth least densely populated in the North West, with around two people living on each football pitch-sized area of land.

Cheshire East has the fifth largest population increase across the North West region, below Salford (15.4%), Chorley (9.9%), Manchester (9.7%) and Cheshire West and Chester (8.4%).

The oldest aged group (those aged 90 and above) increased by 32% in Cheshire East, way above above the England average of 23%.

The number of individuals aged 70 to 74 has increased by 45%, which ss also above the England average of 37%.

Some younger age groups also increased.

Those aged 30-34 increased by a quarter (24%), nearly twice the England average of 13%.

Sarah Bullock, director of policy and change for Cheshire East Council, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank residents for their support – the response rate in Cheshire East was higher than the national figure, which was already very high.

“This provides us with confidence in the evidence, so the council, and partners, can understand population change in our local area and beyond.

“The results, based on the information we all gave, will ensure decisions are made using good, up-to-date evidence.

“This includes planning our emergency services, mental health care, school places, houses, transport, health services and decisions around how much money is spent each year.

“Today we have the headline figures for Cheshire East, however, there is a lot more detail to come later in the year about our towns and villages.

“The council will continue to understand the census as the information is released by the Office for National Statistics, what it means for our services and implications for the council and residents.”

Further figures from the 2021 Census are expected to be released later this year.

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