North West Research Info Zone

The North West is a geographically diverse area with stunning coastline, national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty. The urban centres are concentrated around the cities of Liverpool and Manchester. Geographically the North West is the 6th largest of the 9 regions, however it has the 3rd highest regional population.The North West is often considered three subregions with their own unique cultures. To the north are Lancashire and Cumbria, to the south and east is Greater Manchester, and to the south and west are Cheshire and Merseyside.

There are 2 national parks within the North West, the Lake District and Peak District which crosses the border into the Midlands, 3 World Heritage sites and 3 areas of outstanding natural beauty.

The region is home to 7,341,200 residents, and the population is growing. Overall the population within the region experience worse than national average outcomes, such as lower life expectancy, higher levels of poverty and deprivation. However, there is significant variation within the region.

Life expectancy for females in the North West is 81.7 years and for men 77.9 years (2018-20), below England’s average life expectancy for (83.1 years , and 79.4 years respectively).From birth, men living in the North West can expect to live 60.2 years disability free and for women the figure is 59.1 years (2018-20).

The elderly population within the North West (18.7% are aged 65 and over) are mostly concentrated in the rural county areas with the larger urban areas of Manchester, Liverpool, Preston and Lancaster having younger populations.

Source: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/