The population of Bristol has shot up by almost 10% in the last 10 years, as results from the 2011 Census reveal the UK’s population has risen by record levels since 2001.
On Census night (March 27, 2011) the estimate of the usually resident population in Bristol was 428,200, a rise of 38,000 since the previous survey.
Meanwhile, the results showed that the city’s population was increasingly young, with the proportion of those aged between 25 and 49 higher than the national average – while the proportions aged 50 and over were lower than the rest of the UK.
Those aged 20 to 24 made up the largest number of people in a single five-year age band, with 44,400 people in this age range living in the city in 2011. There were 40,800 people aged 25 to 29, the second-highest age band.
And revealing that women really do live longer than men, there were more than 3,000 people aged over 90, of which 2,300 were women.
The figures are essential for cash-strapped councils to plan services as efficiently as possible. Council Leader Simon Cook said: “Today’s figures show that Bristol is a thriving city with a fast growing population. These Census statistics play a very important role in helping us to plan local services and ensure we receive our fair share of central government funding.
“In the current context of budget pressures, this is more vital than ever.”
Nationally, the figures reveal the population of England and Wales has undergone its biggest surge since records began after a decade of mass immigration and a baby boom.
The population of England and Wales grew by 7.1% to 56.1 million, twice the rate recorded in the previous decade.
More than half the population growth has been driven by immigration, with two thirds of immigrants coming from non-EU countries.
More detailed local figures from the Census will be published in a series of releases from December 2012
and throughout 2013.
These releases will include more detail (such as ethnicity, car availability, health and qualifications) at wards and super output areas. Further analysis and area profiles for Bristol will be produced and made available via the Bristol City Council website when the data is published.
Does not surprise me, Bristol is a great place to live from your late 20s – late 30s. So much to offer! Wouldn't live anywhere else.