SWO Census Briefing 2011

sarah.hardwick@swo.org.uk

We've just launched a new Census 2011 page on the SWO website to bring together a range of useful resources for those interested in Census data to inform their work and plans.

Recently Updated - Download SWO's Census 2011 Briefing Paper (below) on the latest population and household data.

Key Facts:

- The percentage of the population of England and Wales aged 65 and over is the highest seen in any census at 16.4%, or one in six people. In the South West, the proportion is higher, at 19.6%;

- Relative population growth in the South West seems to have slowed over the past 20 years; between 1991 and 2001 it exceeded the national rate, but is now slightly below it, having grown by 7.0% between 2001 and 2011 (compared with 7.1% in England and Wales);

- Population Density in England and Wales is 371 people per square km. Across the South West, this ranges from 3,974 (in Bournemouth), to 46 (in West Devon). Our urban areas are significantly more densely populated than our rural and coastal areas;

- There has been a noticeable increase in residents aged 60 – 69, as post‐war ‘baby boomers’ hit retirement age. This increase is also likely to reflect national migration patterns, given the region’s popularity as a retirement destination;
The rate of increase of age groups 20 – 24, 30 – 34 and 35 – 39 has been higher in the South West, than in England and Wales over the past 10 years. Despite this, the proportion of the region’s population aged 20 – 39 (24%) is lower than in England and Wales (27%).

- This has implications for economic growth and our ability to support the ageing population with a younger workforce.