Cheshire spans about 2,324 km² (897 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Cheshire
Cheshire is a county in North West England, known for its prosperous farmland, historic towns and long association with agriculture and trade. The landscape is largely gentle and low lying, with open fields, river valleys and small wooded areas giving much of the county a calm and orderly feel. Its location between the major cities of Manchester and Liverpool has influenced development, while many areas retain a strong rural identity.
The county includes towns such as Chester, Crewe, Macclesfield and Warrington, each with a different role within the wider area. Chester is noted for its Roman history and well preserved city centre, while Crewe developed as a major railway town. Elsewhere, market towns and villages continue to support local communities alongside commuting and modern industry.
Cheshire is also recognised for its historic estates, waterways and countryside, including stretches of the River Dee and the Cheshire Plain. These features provide opportunities for walking, cycling and leisure close to populated areas. Taken together, Cheshire offers a measured mix of rural landscape, historic settlement and practical modern living, giving it a steady and well established character within England.
Cheshire at a Glance
House Prices in Cheshire
The average sold price in Cheshire is £308,255 across 36,912 recorded sales, making it the 28th most expensive of 69 counties.
Source: HM Land Registry Price Paid Data. Figures are averages of recorded sales.
People & Demographics
Age structure
Housing tenure
Source: ONS Census 2021 and model-based income estimates.
Schools in Cheshire 438
Source: Department for Education and Ofsted.
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are houses in Cheshire?
The average sold price in Cheshire is around £308,255. A detached home averages £438,681, a terraced home £182,724 and a flat £163,549.
What is the population of Cheshire?
Cheshire has a population of about 1,093,983 people, at a density of 471 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Cheshire?
The average household income in Cheshire is around £51,437 a year.
How many schools are there in Cheshire?
There are 438 schools in Cheshire.
Largest Towns in Cheshire 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Cheshire stretches from 0 ft at West Bank up to 1,257 ft at Macclesfield Forest, a span of 1,257 ft across 739 towns and villages. This reflects dramatic upland terrain, with a substantial climb from the lowest to the highest places.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 41 postcode areas in Cheshire. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Cheshire 60
Cheshire has 739 towns, villages and localities in total. The main towns are shown below. You can also browse the full A to Z of every place in Cheshire.
Postcode Areas in Cheshire 8
Cheshire is served by 8 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.