United Kingdom Census 2011

United Kingdom Census 2011
Name	United Kingdom Census 2011
Country	United Kingdom
Date	27 March 2011
Population	63,182,178
Percent change	+7.8%
Region type	Country
Most populous	England (53,012,456)
Least populous	Northern Ireland (1,810,863)
Previous year	2001
Next year	2021

United Kingdom Census 2011. The decennial census for the United Kingdom was conducted on 27 March 2011, coordinated by the Office for National Statistics for England and Wales, the General Register Office for Scotland, and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. It provided a detailed snapshot of the population and housing, recording over 63 million residents across the constituent countries. The data is crucial for government planning, resource allocation, and academic research, forming a key statistical benchmark for the decade.

Background and legislation

The census was mandated under the Census Act 1920, which provides the legal framework for its conduct across the United Kingdom. Primary responsibility for the operation in England and Wales fell to the Office for National Statistics, an executive office of the UK Statistics Authority. In Scotland, the General Register Office for Scotland operated under the authority of the Registrar General for Scotland, while in Northern Ireland it was managed by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. The specific details for the 2011 collection were set out in secondary legislation, including the Census (England and Wales) Order 2009 and parallel instruments for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Methodology and questions

The primary method of data collection was a postal questionnaire delivered to every household, with field staff following up for non-response. For the first time, a major online completion option was offered, managed through a secure website. The questionnaire contained core questions on topics such as demographic characteristics, household relationships, ethnic group, religion, country of birth, and national identity. New questions were introduced on the English language proficiency of residents and the number of bedrooms in a dwelling, while a question on civil partnership status was added following the Civil Partnership Act 2004.

Key findings and demographics

The total population recorded was 63,182,178, an increase of 7.8% from the United Kingdom Census 2001. England remained the most populous country with 53,012,456 residents. The data revealed an increasingly aging population, with the number of people aged 65 and over rising significantly. It recorded greater ethnic diversity, with the White British group decreasing to 80.5% of the population in England and Wales. London was confirmed as the most ethnically diverse region, while the question on religion showed a continued rise in those reporting No religion and a growth in groups such as Islam and Hinduism.

Regional and local results

Significant regional variations were evident. London's population grew by 12% since 2001, surpassing 8 million, with notable growth in boroughs like Tower Hamlets and Newham. Other urban areas such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds also saw substantial increases. In contrast, some local authorities in the North East and North West of England experienced population decline. Within the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland saw its population rise to 1,810,863, with Belfast remaining its largest city, while in Scotland, Glasgow remained the largest city despite Edinburgh having a higher population within its local authority area.

Data release and access

The first results, headline population counts for England and Wales, were released in July 2011. More detailed data sets were published progressively from late 2011 through 2014. Key statistical releases included population estimates by local authority, detailed characteristics on ethnic group, country of birth, and health. All data is made available through the Office for National Statistics website, the Nomis official labour market statistics service, and the UK Data Service, enabling analysis by local government, businesses, and researchers.

Impact and legacy

The census results directly influence the distribution of billions of pounds in public funding, including the Local Government Finance Settlement, and inform policy across areas like health service planning, transport infrastructure, and education provision. The data provided essential evidence for debates on issues such as housing need, immigration, and regional inequality. It serves as the definitive population benchmark for the decade, used extensively in social science research and as a base for other official surveys like the Annual Population Survey. Its findings also set the context for subsequent major constitutional events, including the Scottish independence referendum, 2014.

Category:Censuses in the United Kingdom Category:2011 in the United Kingdom Category:2011 censuses