UK Census 2021 results Birmingham: how has population of city changed according to ONS data for England?

Census 2021 results: population of Birmingham and West Midlands rise as data released - and what is the census?

The results of the 2021 England and Wales census have been released, which has revealed the latest population figures for towns and cities across the country.

Within the results are pieces of information relating to Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region.

Here is all you need to know about the 2021 Census, including what a census is, and how much the population of Birmingham has changed over the last 10 years and beyond.

How many households took part in the 2021 census?

There were 24.8 million households in England and Wales on census day 2021, up from 23.4 million in 2011, with an average of 2.4 people in each household – the same as in 2011.

What is the Census?

The census happens every 10 years and helps to paint a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.

Members of each household answer questions that help organisations make decisions on planning and funding public services in your area, including transport, education and healthcare.

Census Day was on Sunday 21 March 2021, and these results have been formed from the information provided then.

The census has taken place every 10 years since 1801.

A spokesperson for The Office of National Statistics (ONS) said: “The census happens every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.

“Your answers to census questions help organisations make decisions on planning and funding public services in your area, including transport, education and healthcare.”

What is the population of Birmingham?

According to the 2021 census, the population of Birmingham is 1,144,900. This is a rise of over 70,000 on the 2011 census.

Below is listed the population of Birmingham as registered in the last five census, including the number in 2021.

• 1981: 996,369
• 1991: 961,041
• 2001: 977,094
• 2011: 1,073,045
• 2021: 1,144,900

Did the 2021 census result match the ONS estimates?

Statisticians from the ONS make estimations on the population of each area of England and Wales before the results of the census are released.

ONS statisticians estimated there were 1,140,525 people of all ages living in Birmingham as of mid-2020 – broadly in line with the 2021 census figure of 1,144,900.

What is the population of the West Midlands?

The population of the west Midlands region has increased by almost 300,000 in the 10 years between 2011 and 2021.

The population of the region has grown continuously in the last forty years, from 5,098,609 in 1081 to 5,950,800 in 2021.

Listed below are the population figures for the West Midlands region from the last five censuses.

• 1981: 5,098,609
• 1991: 5,150,187
• 2001: 5,267,308
• 2011: 5,601,847
• 2021: 5,950,800

What are some of the key points about the 2021 Census?

The census shows the balance of men and women in the area has changed – Birmingham’s population is now 49 per cent male and 51 per cent female, meaning there is now a higher proportion of women in the area than 10 years ago.

In 2011, people living in Birmingham were 49.2 per cent male and 50.8 per cent female.

The census has also shown that the area is ageing – a decade ago the population was made up of 14.6 per cent under-10s and 12.9 per cent over-65s, but this had changed to 13.7 per cent and 13.1 per cent respectively by 2021.