The population of East Devon has grown by 13.8 per cent in the last ten years, according to data from the 2021 census published today (Tuesday 28 June).

The East Devon district in Devon includes Exmouth, Sidmouth, Honiton, Upottery, Axminster, and Seaton among other towns.

This is a larger percentage than the increase across England and Wales, which was 6.3 per cent from 56.1m people in 2011 to 59.6m in 2021.

East Devon's population change is also the second highest in the South West after Tewkesbury with 15.8 per cent.

In 2011, the last time the census took place, the number of people living in East Devon was 132,457. In 2021, it grew to 150,800.

The district's population density also increased by 13.5 per cent, from 163 people per square kilometre in 2011 to 185 in 2021.

The census data shows that the population is ageing across the country. In East Devon, 30 per cent of the population was aged 65 and over in 2021 - a rate among the highest in the country.