The population of England and Wales has grown by more than 3.5 million (6.3%) over the last 10 years, from 56.1 to 59.6 million, new census data reveal.
There are now more people aged 65 or over than ever before, representing 18.6% of the population, compared to 16.4% in 2011, according to data from the National Statistics Office (ONS).
Since the last census on March 27 of that year, the population has increased in all English regions and in Wales – with the east of England experiencing the highest growth – an increase of 8.3% or approximately 488,000 inhabitants.
The local authorities where the population has declined the most are both in London. In Kensington and Chelsea it fell 9.6% and in Westminster 6.9%.
In contrast, Tower Hamlets, in east London, experienced the highest population growth (an increase of 22.1%), followed by Dartford in Kent (20%).
London also has the highest proportion of people aged 15 to 64, with this group accounting for 70%.
There are more people aged 65 and over in Wales (21.3%) than in England (18.4%).
The English regions over the age of 65 were North Norfolk and Rother in East Sussex (33.4% and 32.4% of their population respectively).
East Devon has the majority of people aged 90 or over, the equivalent of 1.9%.
In both countries, people aged 15 to 64 represent 64.1% of the population, and those under 15 represent 17.4%.
Even more women than men
As in 2011, there are still more women (51% of the population) than men (49%). In 2011 the breakdown was 50.8% women and 49.2% men.
The latest census, conducted on March 21, 2021, also shows that there are 1.4 million more households – an increase of 6.1% – than in 2011 – with a total of 24.8 million in both countries.
In general, the population of the two countries is the highest it has ever had.
But the ONS notes that “population change in certain areas may reflect how the coronavirus pandemic affected people’s choice of habitual residence on census day.”