The Council and democracy Census and population

Census results 2021

The most recent Census, which is conducted every ten years, was on 21 March 2021.

The Census collects information about the population and helps us to understand the nation and how we live. The Census figures help with decisions about how funding and resources are used for public services.

The first results from the 2021 Census were published on 28 June 2022, and include estimates of the number of people and households in England and Wales. 

In Manchester, on Census day 2021:

  • The total population of the city was estimated at 552,000 (an increase from 503,000 in 2011)
  • Those people live in a total of 214,700 dwellings
  • The most popular age group was 20 to 24 year olds with 61,900 living in the city
  • We have an estimated 4,773 residents living in each square kilometre of the city, which is one of the highest population densities outside of London.

Find Census 2021 information about Manchester residents using our data insight tool

We have accessible summaries available for the different data gathered as part of the census, select one of the following to read more:

Previous Census (2011)

You can access some of the key 2011 Census data for Manchester via the Intelligence Hub.

The full data is available for download from the Office for National Statistics and NOMIS

A report has been produced which summarises the key 2011 Census findings for Manchester.

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