Shropshire in numbers – 2021 Census results highlight our population changes

Today, marks the second release of results from the 2021 Census by the Office for National Statistics. These results focus on the characteristics of the population, households and migration, from national level down to small areas called census output areas.

2021 Census – Demography and migration census results

The 2021 Census shows there was a total population of 323,600 a 5.7% rise from 306,100 in 2011.

Early headlines, show that in March 2021, there were 316,300 Shropshire residents living in 139,600 households. This means there has been a 7.6% rise in the number of households since the 2011 Census, compared to a rise of 6.2% nationally. 7,300 people lived in communal establishments.

Average household size remains at 2.3 persons per household in 2021. 21,500 people aged 66 and over now live alone compared with 18,100 aged 65 and over in 2011.

The average age of Shropshire’s population has risen to 48, from 44 in 2011. This compares with 40 years nationally.

Rob Gittins, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for digital and culture, said: –

“This second phase of the Census results will provide a rich picture of life in Shropshire during a challenging period of social and economic change. The information is incredibly important for our understanding of the current and future needs of Shropshire’s residents, helping the Council to make informed decisions and shape future service planning”

James Walton, Shropshire Council’s Executive director for resources, added: –

“This second release of the 2021 Census results is very much welcomed. We will be exploring the results to better understand how Shropshire residents are living, working, studying, travelling and managing their health and wellbeing, at the beginning of this decade.

With the recent launch of the Shropshire Plan, the wide-ranging census results will help ensure the Council’s actions and priorities are directed wisely. This will help with supporting local communities, meeting the needs of Shropshire’s growing and ageing population and shaping services such as schools, libraries, healthcare and housing.”

During November 2022 to January 2023, the Office for National Statistics will be releasing a series of topic led results in the order of:

• UK armed forces and veterans – 10^th November 2022
• Ethnic group, national identity, language and religion – 29^th November 2022
• Labour market and travel to work – 8^th December 2022
• Housing – 5^th January 2023
• Sexual identity and gender identity – 6^th January 2023
• Education – 10^th January 2023
• Health, disability and unpaid care – 19^th January 2023

For further information, and to find out more about the Census 2021 results, people can visit the ONS website.

Further information and analysis for Shropshire will be added to the Shropshire Council 2021 Census webpages, as further results become available. It is important that the results and analysis are widely accessible to all. The Council is aiming to publish the early headlines and infographics, followed by the development of area profiles, interactive tools and topic-based analysis.

Please note all figures have been rounded.