Biggest and smallest places in North West by population (2025)

Manchester was the most populated of North West’s 35 councils in 2025 (population estimate 588,256).

Ribble Valley was the least populated (66,938). The middle council, Bury, had 199,271.

Map of population estimate across the UKSee it on the map
Population estimate for every council in North West, highest first. Councils without a figure are listed last with the reason.
RankCouncilValue
1Manchester588,256
2Liverpool507,915
3Cheshire East425,459
4Cheshire West and Chester373,951
5Wigan347,089
6Wirral329,896
7Bolton309,732
8Stockport304,879
9Salford297,004
10Sefton287,583
11Cumberland282,343
12Oldham251,915
13Trafford240,981
14Tameside240,822
15Rochdale237,641
16Westmorland and Furness231,307
17Warrington215,425
18Bury199,271
19St. Helens189,890
20Preston164,498
21Blackburn with Darwen163,801
22Knowsley163,723
23Lancaster145,237
24Blackpool143,492
25Halton131,912
26West Lancashire123,564
27Chorley121,814
28Wyre120,528
29South Ribble117,554
30Burnley100,946
31Pendle100,203
32Hyndburn86,908
33Fylde86,689
34Rossendale73,688
35Ribble Valley66,938

Source and method · See it on the map