Regional Profiles - Population and Migration - North East, March 2013

Estimated and projected population growth, 2001 to 2011 and 2011 to 2021

Source: Office for National Statistics

Notes:

1. 2001 to 2011 figures are mid-year estimates
2. 2011 to 2021 figures are interim 2011-based projections

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The population of the North East is the lowest of the English regions and one of the slowest growing. The percentage of the population aged 65 and over is projected to be one of the fastest growing among the regions.

The region’s population was 2.6 million in mid-2011, 5.0% of the population of England. From 2001 to 2011, the population of the North East grew by 2.2%, less than a third of the rate for the whole of England (7.4%). Within the region, over the same period North Tyneside, Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne local authorities (all in Tyne and Wear) showed the largest increases, all at 4.8%. The population of Sunderland local authority (also in Tyne and Wear) decreased by over 3%.

Interim projections based on the mid-2011 population estimates show that by 2021 the population in the North East could reach 2.7 million. The projected increase between 2011 and 2021 is 4.9%, just over half the projected increase for England (8.6%).

In mid-2011, 17.4% of the population were aged 65 and over, similar to most other regions but above the England average (16.4%). The mainly rural and coastal northern parts of the region have a higher proportion of people aged 65 and over compared with the more urban and industrialised south east. For example, Northumberland unitary authority (UA) had 20.2% of people aged 65 and over, compared with Middlesborough UA with 15.1%.

The proportion of the population aged 65 and over is projected to increase to 20.4% in 2021 compared with 18.7% for England. The region has seen an increased rate of growth in recent years due to increased net migration, together with an ongoing excess of births over deaths. In 2010 total net migration (interregional and international) to the region was 64 people per 10,000 residents, compared with the England average of 41 per 10,000 residents.

Population density for the region was 300 residents per sq km in mid-2011 compared with the average for England of 400 people per sq km. It was highest in Middlesbrough UA at 2,600 people per sq km, and lowest at 63 per sq km in Northumberland UA.

Source: Office for National Statistics

Background notes

1. Notes and sources:

   The data section of this release (454.5 Kb Excel sheet)  provides more Population and Migration data. Office for National Statistics is the source for the data.

   Population estimates and projections are based on the 2011 Census. The mid-2011 population estimates are those published on 25 September 2012 and the interim 2011-based subnational population projections were published on 28 September 2012.

   Migration data are for calendar years. The latest calendar year for which both interregional and international migration are available is 2010. Interregional migration data were published on 17 October 2011 and international migration data were published on 24 November 2011. An interactive map of Internal Migration in England and Wales by Local Authority allows you to view ONS migration estimates for England & Wales as a ‘flow map’ drawing lines on the map to represent movements of migrants between areas of the country. The map requires a web browser capable of supporting HTML5 content – for example, Internet Explorer 9+, Firefox, Chrome, Safar and iOS5+/Android3+ mobile devices.

   The 2011 Census provides a wealth of information for local areas. In particular you may be interested in:

   2001 vs 2011 – Population and Age – interactive map allows you to find your area’s average age, population density and more

   2011 Census area comparison tool – interactive tool allows the comparison of any 2 areas in England and Wales using 2011 Census population estimates and also provides a visual summary of change since 2001. Note – Requires Adobe Flash v10 or above

   Census population and change – interactive map allows you to find the population density and change in population in your area since 2001

2. You may use or re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

3. Details of the policy governing the release of new data are available by visiting www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/assessment/code-of-practice/index.html or from the Media Relations Office email: media.relations@ons.gsi.gov.uk

Further information