County sees huge population rise

The county has seen the third highest population rise in the UK

Lincolnshire's population rose by almost a quarter in the 25 years to 2006, according to new figures.

A BBC survey of social trends in the UK, broken down to reflect the 45 local radio areas, indicates greater division along lines of age and wealth.

The 24.1% population jump - the third highest nationally - saw the number of people in the county rise to 687,000.

The area also has the fifth highest proportion of older people and the second lowest of 24 to 29-year-olds.

The Changing UK survey used information from the Census and other data to give a picture of how neighbourhoods have changed over the past 40 years.

LINCOLNSHIRE IN NUMBERS Population (2006) - 687,000 Average age (2006) - 41.9 Population over pensionable age (2006) - 23% Average house price (2006) - £158,000 Breadline poor (1980)- 14.7% Breadline poor (2000) - 22.5% Population not voting (45-51) - 21.2% Population not voting (97-05) - 34.7%

The national picture is one of increasing separation of communities along lines of income and age, with the changes accelerating in recent years.

Lincolnshire has one of the highest proportions of older people (23%) which contributes to the fifth highest average age, of 41.9.

The area also has the third lowest proportion of children below four and the seventh lowest proportion of 30 to 34-year-olds, according to the report.