Warrington is a town and unitary authority in Cheshire, North West England.
The town lies some 15 miles west of Manchester city centre, and 15 miles east of Liverpool. It is also situated near the historic city of Chester and within easy reach of Bolton, St Helens, and Wigan. As a result, Warrington has become a commercial and transport hub for the region.
The town is home to many businesses, including Betfred, Eddie Stobart, European Metal Recycling (EMR), and United Utilities.
It also has a busy shopping district, with many high-street names represented. When IKEA arrived in the United Kingdom, they picked Warrington as the site for their first outlet. It is located at the Gemini Retail Park, which also boasts one of the country’s largest Marks and Spencer stores.
In addition, Warrington boasts numerous parks and nature reserves, making it an attractive location for those looking to live in the countryside but be close to urban amenities.
The current population of Warrington is 211,200.
The town’s history dates back to Roman times when it was established as a major crossing point on the River Mersey.
The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes to Warrington’s economy and society. It became a manufacturing town. Industries included steel and wire, pin-making, tanning, and brewing.
In 1801 the population of Warrington was around 24,000. By 1911 it was over 110,000.
Population growth continued throughout the 20th century.
In 1968 Warrington was designated a new town. While many northern towns were in decline throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Warrington’s population continued to grow.
Current Population Statistics
According to data from the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS), the current population of Warrington is 211,200.
As of , the latest ONS statistics are for 2021.
The table below details population statistics for Warrington over the past few years, split by age group.
| Year | Total Population of Warrington | Population Aged 0 to 15 | Population Aged 0 to 15 % | Population Aged 16 to 64 | Population Aged 16 to 64 % | Population Aged 65+ | Population Aged 65+ % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 203,800 | 39,000 | 19.14 | 130,800 | 64.18 | 34,000 | 16.68 |
| 2013 | 205,200 | 39,100 | 19.05 | 131,000 | 63.84 | 35,100 | 17.11 |
| 2014 | 206,700 | 39,400 | 19.06 | 131,200 | 63.47 | 36,100 | 17.46 |
| 2015 | 207,800 | 39,500 | 19.01 | 131,400 | 63.23 | 36,900 | 17.76 |
| 2016 | 209,000 | 39,600 | 18.95 | 131,700 | 63.01 | 37,700 | 18.04 |
| 2017 | 209,700 | 39,800 | 18.98 | 131,600 | 62.76 | 38,300 | 18.26 |
| 2018 | 209,500 | 39,700 | 18.95 | 131,000 | 62.53 | 38,900 | 18.57 |
| 2019 | 210,000 | 39,600 | 18.86 | 130,700 | 62.24 | 39,600 | 18.86 |
| 2020 | 209,400 | 39,400 | 18.82 | 129,900 | 62.03 | 40,100 | 19.15 |
| 2021 | 211,200 | 38,100 | 18.04 | 132,700 | 62.83 | 40,400 | 19.13 |
Population Growth
As can be seen from the data in the table above, the population of Warrington increased from 203,800 in 2012 to 211,200 in 2021.
This represents a population growth rate of 3.63%.
Demographics of Warrington - Age Groups
In 2012, 39,000 children lived in Warrington; 19.14% of the total population.
In 2021, 38,100 children lived there, which was 18.04% of the total population. The percentage of children living in Warrington in recent years has been falling.
In 2012, 130,800 adults lived in Warrington, representing 64.18% of the total population.
In 2021, 132,700 adults lived there, representing 62.83% of the total population. The percentage of adults living in Warrington in recent years has been declining.
In 2012, 34,000 elderly people lived in Warrington, 16.68% of the total population.
In 2021, 40,400 elderly people lived there, or 19.13% of the total population. The percentage of elderly people living in Warrington in recent years has been increasing.
Demographics of Warrington - Gender
There are currently more females than males in Warrington.
104,400 males were living there in 2021 (49.43% of the total).
106,800 females were living there in 2021 (50.57% of the total).
Population statistics by gender for Warrington between 2012 and 2021 are shown in the table below.
| Date | Total | Males | % | Females | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 203,800 | 101,100 | 49.61 | 102,700 | 50.39 |
| 2013 | 205,200 | 101,700 | 49.56 | 103,400 | 50.39 |
| 2014 | 206,700 | 102,500 | 49.59 | 104,200 | 50.41 |
| 2015 | 207,800 | 103,100 | 49.62 | 104,700 | 50.38 |
| 2016 | 209,000 | 103,700 | 49.62 | 105,200 | 50.33 |
| 2017 | 209,700 | 104,100 | 49.64 | 105,600 | 50.36 |
| 2018 | 209,500 | 104,100 | 49.69 | 105,500 | 50.36 |
| 2019 | 210,000 | 104,400 | 49.71 | 105,700 | 50.33 |
| 2020 | 209,400 | 103,800 | 49.57 | 105,600 | 50.43 |
| 2021 | 211,200 | 104,400 | 49.43 | 106,800 | 50.57 |
2021 Census - Warrington
Censuses provide useful information about the general demographics of the United Kingdom, such as age breakdowns, marital status, occupation, ethnicity, etc.
In the UK, there is a census every 10 years.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the organization responsible for collecting and publishing official statistics in England and Wales. In Northern Ireland it is the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NIRSA), and in Scotland it is National Records of Scotland (NRS).
The census data provides a detailed view of the United Kingdom. Data from the census is used to help the authorities do things like plan and run public services, develop policies, and apportion funding.
The most recent UK census took place in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland on 21 March 2021. Scotland delayed the census to 2022 due to the pandemic.
The statistics from the 2021 Census for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be released in summer 2022.
The census prior to this took place in 2011. Demographic information for Warrington is shown below.
2011 Census Data - Resident Population of Warrington
As of today, the most recent published UK Census data was for 2011. Results of the 2011 United Kingdom Census showed that the total population of Warrington was 202,228.
The number of males living in Warrington was 100,300 (49.60% of the total resident population). The number of females was 101,928 (50.40% of the total resident population).
Population Density
Warrington covers an area of 18,065 hectares. The population density was 11.19 persons per hectare.
2011 Census Data - Ethnic Groups in Warrington
Whites were the largest ethnic group in Warrington. 193,992 (95.93%) of the total population of 202,228 identified as white.
Warrington has a higher percentage white population than the average for England (85.42%).
Asians were the second-largest ethnic group in Warrington. 4,911 (2.43%) of the population identified as Asian.
Warrington has a lower percentage Asian population than the average for England (7.82%).
| Ethnicity | Number | % |
|---|---|---|
| White | 193,992 | 95.93 |
| Mixed | 2,144 | 1.06 |
| Asian | 4,911 | 2.43 |
| Black | 694 | 0.34 |
| Total | 202,228 | 100.00 |
2011 Census Data - Religion in Warrington
Christians were the largest religious group in Warrington. 144,405 (71.41%) of the total population of 202,228 identified as Christian.
Warrington has a higher percentage Christian population than the average for England (59.38%).
Muslims were the second-largest religious group in Warrington. 2,097 (1.04%) of the population identified as Muslim.
Warrington has a lower percentage Muslim population than the average for England (5.02%).
| Religion | Number | % |
|---|---|---|
| Christian | 144,405 | 71.41 |
| Muslim | 2,097 | 1.04 |
| Hindu | 1,118 | 0.55 |
| Buddhist | 457 | 0.23 |
| Sikh | 361 | 0.18 |
| Jewish | 147 | 0.07 |
| Other | 513 | 0.25 |
| No Religion | 41,293 | 20.42 |
| Religion Not Stated | 11,837 | 5.85 |
| Total | 202,228 | 100.00 |
2011 Census Data - Resident Population of Warrington - Country of Birth
190,719 (94.31%) of the 202,228 residents of Warrington were born in the UK; 184,877 in England, 2,769 in Scotland, 2,146 in Wales, and 907 in Northern Ireland.
1,090 (0.54%) were born in the Republic of Ireland, 4,369 (2.16%) in other EU countries, and 6,050 (2.99%) in other countries.
| Country of Birth | Number | % |
|---|---|---|
| England | 184,877 | 91.42 |
| Scotland | 2,769 | 1.37 |
| Wales | 2,146 | 1.06 |
| Northern Ireland | 907 | 0.45 |
| Republic of Ireland | 1,090 | 0.54 |
| Other EU | 4,369 | 2.16 |
| Other Countries | 6,050 | 2.99 |
Location and Transport
Warrington is located in Cheshire, North West England. It lies on the banks of the River Mersey, between Liverpool and Manchester.
Geography is a major factor in the town’s success. Warrington is a major crossroads town, located at the intersection of major road links. The M6, M62, and M56 motorways are all within easy reach.
There are two train stations in the town centre; Warrington Central and Warrington Bank Quay.
Warrington Bank Quay is on the West Coast Mainline.
Other stations in the area are Birchwood, Sankey for Penketh, Padgate, and Glazebrook.
Warrington also benefits from easy access to Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
