Warrington placed in “elite” group of locations where household wealth has increased more than twice as fast as UK average

WARRINGTON is in an elite group of “high growth” locations where household wealth has increased more than twice as fast as the UK average, according to a new report.

The Cities Outlook 2026 report, published by the Centre for Cities, says the town’s growth in living standards has significantly outpaced the national average over the last decade.
It places Warrington 5th out of 63 major towns and cities.

While national disposable income grew by 2.4 per cent between 2013 and 2023, Warrington bucked the trend of slow growth, seeing a substantial 5.3 per cent increase.
The report shows national economic output growth of 18.4% between 2013 and 2023. In Warrington, this stands at 41%. Warrington is the only location in the north of England with the highest disposable income, and the only place in this part of the country to have workplace wages above the UK average.
Warrington is also placed in the top 10 in the country for lowest unemployment rates and in the top 10 for the highest number of businesses.
Centre for Cities credits Warrington’s success, along with the other leading towns and cities, to proactive policy choices in key areas including skills development, transport infrastructure, housing, and robust support for local businesses. According to the think tank, these strategic investments have translated directly into higher household incomes and reduced levels of deprivation.
Centre for Cities identifies three key areas for delivering faster living standards growth:

• Strengthening local economies by fostering “cutting-edge” industries.
• Improving access to opportunity through skills support and better transport links.
• Removing constraints on housing and commercial space to allow growing towns to reach their full potential.

Borough Council Leader, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “This report is excellent news for Warrington and its residents, providing independent confirmation that our town remains a premier destination to live and work. Ranking fifth in the country for growth in living standards, shows our town continues to punch well above its weight, demonstrating an economic resilience that sets us apart from many other large towns and cities.
“Our success is the result of a long-term commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and investing in the essential infrastructure that sustains a modern economy. By focusing on skills, transport, and sustainable housing, we have ensured that the town’s commercial growth translates into real-world benefits for our households and helps to lift residents out of deprivation.
“Looking ahead, these findings provide a strong foundation for a successful, thriving, and prosperous future for our borough. We remain dedicated to supporting our ‘cutting-edge’ industries and ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to share in Warrington’s ongoing economic success. This report validates our strategic direction and reinforces our reputation as a key engine of growth for the region.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board added:“Warrington’s success reflects our whole region’s strong foundations.
“This report is a real endorsement of our long-term approach to growth. It reflects the hard work of our businesses, communities, and partners, and it also shows the strength and potential of the wider Cheshire and Warrington area as we work together through the Combined Authority to deliver on our ambition to become one of the UK’s fastest-growing areas by 2045.”
Steve Purdham, Chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Business and Advisory Board concluded: “Our economy is powered by a remarkable combination of sectors; from world-class life sciences and global companies like AstraZeneca, to pioneering energy initiatives such as HyNet. This innovative, ambitious business community is driving growth not only in Warrington but across the wider region.”
The findings underline Cheshire and Warrington’s position as a regional leader, showing how sustained local action, strategic planning, and investment in residents can drive measurable improvements in income and opportunity across all our communities.