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How the population has changed in Manchester

Demographic trends in Manchester and other local authorities within the UK from 2002 to 2020

Last updated:
1 January 2025

Manchester's demographics, 2020:

Total population 555,741 people

The total population in Manchester rose compared with 2019.

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Population density 4,805 people per sq km

The population density in Manchester is higher than the United Kingdom as a whole.

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Median age 30 years

The average age in Manchester is younger than the United Kingdom as a whole.

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Warning:

This is a demo article. The numbers are based on official ONS mid-year population estimates, but may not be presented accurately.

Total population in Manchester

In 2020, Manchester was the largest local authority in the North West, with a total population of 555,741. An increase compared with 2019.

Population of local authorities in the North West

Number of usual residents, 2002-2020
Source: Office for National Statistics

Population density in Manchester

In 2020, the population density in Manchester was 4,805 people per square kilometre, which was more than the North West (522), and more than the United Kingdom as a whole (276).

Densest local authorities in the North West

Population density in people per sq km, 2020
Source: Office for National Statistics

Median age in Manchester

In 2020, the median age in Manchester was 30 years, which was younger than the North West (40 years), and younger than the United Kingdom as a whole (41 years).

Oldest local authorities in the North West

Median age in years, 2020
Source: Office for National Statistics
North East
North West
Yorkshire and The Humber
East Midlands
West Midlands
East of England
London
South East
South West
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales