The 2021 census was released on Tuesday 28th June 2022 and results show that the population of England and Wales has grown by more than 3.5 million (6.3%) in the 10 years since the previous census in 2011, from 56.1 to 59.6 million. Households have increased by 1.4 million over the same period, reaching 24.8 million on Census Day 2021.
There has been population growth in all nine English regions and Wales. The East of England saw the greatest rate of increase at 8.3%.
The number of people aged 65 and over continues to grow, accounting for 18.6% of the population, compared to 16.4% in 2011.
This growth in both population and households is, however, less than has been predicted by the 2018-based population and household projections and the 2020 mid-year estimates. Analysis by Pegasus Group identifies that across England the population on Census Day 2021 was nearly 500,000 less than anticipated in the 2018-based population projections and over 60,000 less than the 2020 mid-year population estimates. In terms of household projections there were over 250,000 less homes than projected by the 2018-based projections.
Whilst most regions have had lower population and household growth than projected there are significant geographical variations with the North West and East of England regions both showing a 0.3% higher rate of population growth than anticipated and the East of England identifying a 0.6% higher rate of housing growth.
The maps below provide details for each local authority area within England.
The impact that this less than anticipated rate of population and household growth and the continued ageing of the population will have upon government policy remains to be seen.
Household
Population
For more information about the 2021 Census Results or any of our services, please contact us.