THERE are more over-65s living across Cheshire than ever before, according to results of the 2021 census.

Over the past 10 years, the number of people aged 65 and over living in Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester has risen past 20 per cent.

A decade ago, the population in Cheshire East was made up of 10.8 per cent under-10s and 19.3 per cent over-65s, but this had changed to 10.5 per cent and 22.4 per cent respectively by 2021.

In Cheshire West, a decade ago the population was made up of 10.8 per cent under-10s and 18.5 per cent over-65s, but this had changed to 10.5 per cent and 21.2 per cent.

The census takes place every 10 years, with every household in the UK required to take part.

The latest snapshot of England and Wales was captured on March 21, 2021.

On census day, 398,800 people were living in Cheshire East – up eight per cent from 370,127 in 2011, when the last census was carried out.

This means the population density has grown to 342 usual residents per square kilometre, up from 317 in 2011.

Cheshire East is the ninth least densely populated of the north west's 39 local authority areas, with around two people living on each football pitch-sized area of land.

It also shows the balance of men and women in the area has stayed the same since 2011 – Cheshire East’s population is 49 per cent male and 51 per cent female, close to what it was 10 years ago.

On census day in Cheshire West, 357,200 people were living in the area – up eight per cent from 329,608 in 2011.

The population density has grown to 388 usual residents per square kilometre, up from 358 in 2011.

Cheshire West  is the 10th least densely populated of the north west's local authority areas, with around three people living on each football pitch-sized area of land.

The population is now 48.8 per cent male and 51.2 per cent female, meaning there is now a slightly higher proportion of men in the area than 10 years ago.

In 2011, people living in Cheshire West and Chester were 48.7 per cent male and 51.3 per cent female.