/visualisations/censusareachanges/E06000021/

The population passed a quarter of a million

Between the last two censuses (held in 2011 and 2021), the population of Stoke-on-Trent increased by 3.8%, from around 249,000 in 2011 to around 258,400 in 2021.

The population here increased by a smaller percentage than the overall population of the West Midlands (6.2%), and by a smaller percentage than the overall population of England (up 6.6% since the 2011 Census).

In 2021, Stoke-on-Trent was home to around 19.7 people per football pitch-sized piece of land, compared with 19.0 in 2011. This area was among the top 25% most densely populated English local authority areas at the last census.

This article generally uses percentages to enable comparisons over time and between areas. The percentage point change is also used to show the difference between the 2011 and 2021 percentages.

Population growth was lower in Stoke-on-Trent than across the West Midlands

Percentage population change, Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas, 2011 Census to Census 2021
England ▲6.6% West Midlands ▲6.2% Stoke-on-Trent ▲3.8%
-2-0.50.5+2+8+16%

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021

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Median age stable in Stoke-on-Trent

The latest census data also show that the average (median) age remained 38 years in Stoke-on-Trent between the last two censuses.

This area had a lower average (median) age than the West Midlands as a whole in 2021 (40 years) and a lower average (median) age than England (40 years).

The median age is the age of the person in the middle of the group, meaning that one half of the group is younger than that person and the other half is older.

The number of people aged 50 to 64 years rose by around 3,400 (an increase of 7.7%), while the number of residents between 35 and 49 years fell by just under 2,600 (5.0% decrease).

The share of residents aged between 50 and 64 years increased by 0.7 percentage points between 2011 and 2021

Percentage of usual residents by age group,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2021_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2011_West Midlands_% 2021_West Midlands_% 2011_England_%2021_England_% Percentage in Stoke-on-Trent Percentage in undefined
85 years and over 1.9 2.1 2.2 2.5 2.2 2.4 1.9%
2.1%
75 to 84 years 5.3 5.7 5.7 6.4 5.5 6.1 5.3%
5.7%
65 to 74 years 8.4 9.4 9.0 9.9 8.6 9.8 8.4%
9.4%
50 to 64 years 17.8 18.5 18.0 19.3 18.1 19.4 17.8%
18.5%
35 to 49 years 20.6 18.8 20.9 18.7 21.3 19.4 20.6%
18.8%
25 to 34 years 13.6 14.0 12.6 13.0 13.5 13.6 13.6%
14.0%
20 to 24 years 7.7 6.6 6.8 6.1 6.8 6.0 7.7%
6.6%
16 to 19 years 5.3 4.7 5.3 4.8 5.1 4.6 5.3%
4.7%
10 to 15 years 6.9 7.7 7.4 7.5 7.0 7.2 6.9%
7.7%
5 to 9 years 5.7 6.6 5.8 6.2 5.6 5.9 5.7%
6.6%
4 years and under 6.9 6.0 6.3 5.6 6.3 5.4 6.9%
6.0%

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021

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Health in Stoke-on-Trent

In 2021, 40.2% of Stoke-on-Trent residents described their health as "very good", increasing from 38.9% in 2011. Those describing their health as "good" rose from 35.0% to 35.9%. These are age-standardised proportions.

Age-standardised proportions are used throughout this section. They enable comparisons between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure.

The proportion of Stoke-on-Trent residents describing their health as "very bad" decreased from 2.1% to 1.9%, while those describing their health as "bad" fell from 6.9% to 6.1%.

These data reflect people’s own opinions in describing their overall health on a five point scale, from very good to very bad.

Census 2021 was conducted during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This may have influenced how people perceived and rated their health, and therefore may have affected how people chose to respond.

The percentage of people in good health in Stoke-on-Trent increased by 0.9 percentage points

Age-standardised proportion of usual residents by self-reported health,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2021_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2011_West Midlands_% 2021_West Midlands_% 2011_England_%2021_England_% Percentage in Stoke-on-Trent Percentage in undefined
Very good health 38.9 40.2 42.8 45.2 45.0 47.5 38.9%
40.2%
Good health 35.0 35.9 35.4 35.0 34.8 34.2 35.0%
35.9%
Fair health 17.0 15.9 15.1 13.9 14.2 13.0 17.0%
15.9%
Bad health 6.9 6.1 5.1 4.5 4.6 4.1 6.9%
6.1%
Very bad health 2.1 1.9 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.2 2.1%
1.9%

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021

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Employment in Stoke-on-Trent

The percentage of people aged 16 years and over (excluding full-time students) who were employed increased in Stoke-on-Trent, but fell across the West Midlands.

In Stoke-on-Trent, the percentage who were employed rose from 51.7% in 2011 to 52.9% in 2021. During the same period, the regional percentage fell from 54.4% to 53.3%.

The percentage of people aged 16 years and over who were unemployed (excluding full-time students) in Stoke-on-Trent fell from 4.8% to 2.9%, while the percentage of people aged 16 years and over who were retired (economically inactive) decreased from 21.3% to 20.5%.

Census 2021 took place during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a period of rapid and unparalleled change; the national lockdown, associated guidance and furlough measures will have affected the labour market and our ability to measure it.

The percentage of people aged 16 years and over who were employed (excluding full-time students) in Stoke-on-Trent increased by 1.2 percentage points

Percentage of usual residents aged 16 years and over by economic activity status,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2021_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2011_West Midlands_% 2021_West Midlands_% 2011_England_%2021_England_% Percentage in Stoke-on-Trent Percentage in undefined
Economically active (excluding full-time students): In employment 51.7 52.9 54.4 53.3 56.5 55.7 51.7%
52.9%
Economically active (excluding full-time students): Unemployed 4.8 2.9 4.6 3.2 4.0 2.9 4.8%
2.9%
Economically active and a full-time student: In employment 2.4 1.8 2.2 1.7 2.4 1.7 2.4%
1.8%
Economically active and a full-time student: Unemployed 1.0 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.6 1.0%
0.7%
Economically inactive: Retired 21.3 20.5 22.0 22.1 21.2 21.5 21.3%
20.5%
Economically inactive: Student 5.1 5.5 5.4 5.8 5.3 5.6 5.1%
5.5%
Economically inactive: Looking after home or family 4.3 5.8 4.1 5.4 4.0 4.8 4.3%
5.8%
Economically inactive: Long-term sick or disabled 6.8 6.4 4.1 4.5 3.8 4.1 6.8%
6.4%
Economically inactive: Other 2.6 3.6 2.3 3.4 2.2 3.1 2.6%
3.6%

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021

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Stoke-on-Trent stood out from other areas for working hours

The percentage of people aged 16 years and over and in employment who said they usually worked 15 hours or less per week fell here, but rose across England.

In Stoke-on-Trent, the percentage that worked 15 hours or less in a week fell from 8.6% in 2011 to 8.2% in 2021, while across England it rose from 9.7% to 10.3%. During the same period, the regional percentage increased from 9.6% to 9.9%.

The percentage of adults in employment who worked 49 hours or more in Stoke-on-Trent fell from 9.5% to 8.5%, while the percentage of adults in employment who worked 31 to 48 hours increased from 60.7% to 62.9%.

Working hours may have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The percentage of adults who worked 15 hours or less in Stoke-on-Trent decreased by 0.4 percentage points

Percentage of usual residents aged 16 years and over and in employment by the number of hours worked per week,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2021_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2011_West Midlands_% 2021_West Midlands_% 2011_England_%2021_England_% Percentage in Stoke-on-Trent Percentage in undefined
15 hours or less worked 8.6 8.2 9.6 9.9 9.7 10.3 8.6%
8.2%
16 to 30 hours worked 21.1 20.4 20.2 20.0 19.5 19.5 21.1%
20.4%
31 to 48 hours worked 60.7 62.9 58.1 60.1 57.5 59.1 60.7%
62.9%
49 or more hours worked 9.5 8.5 12.1 10.1 13.3 11.1 9.5%
8.5%

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021

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Rise in private renting

Stoke-on-Trent saw the West Midlands' joint second-largest percentage-point rise (alongside Wolverhampton) in the proportion of privately-rented homes (from 14.4% in 2011 to 20.3% in 2021).

Across the region, only Telford and Wrekin saw a greater rise in the percentage of privately-rented homes (from 15.0% to 21.2%).

Every local authority area across the West Midlands saw a rise in the percentage of privately-rented homes, as the regional percentage grew from 14.0% to 17.9%.

Private renting in Stoke-on-Trent increased by 5.9 percentage points

Percentage of households by housing tenure,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2021_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2011_West Midlands_% 2021_West Midlands_% 2011_England_%2021_England_% Percentage in Stoke-on-Trent Percentage in undefined
Owns outright or with a mortgage or loan 59.4 56.8 64.9 62.8 63.3 61.3 59.4%
56.8%
Shared ownership 0.4 0.4 0.7 0.8 0.8 1.0 0.4%
0.4%
Social rented 24.2 22.3 19.0 18.2 17.7 17.1 24.2%
22.3%
Private rented 14.4 20.3 14.0 17.9 16.8 20.5 14.4%
20.3%
Lives rent free 1.7 0.3 1.5 0.2 1.3 0.1 1.7%
0.3%

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021

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Disability in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent saw the West Midlands' joint largest percentage-point fall (alongside Sandwell) in the proportion of residents who were identified as being disabled and limited a lot (from 13.4% in 2011 to 10.5% in 2021). These are age-standardised proportions.

Age-standardised proportions are used throughout this section. They enable comparisons between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure.

Cannock Chase saw the West Midlands' next largest decrease in the proportion of residents who were identified as being disabled and limited a lot (from 11.7% in 2011 to 9.0% in 2021).

Every local authority area across the West Midlands saw a fall in the proportion of residents who were identified as being disabled and limited a lot, as the regional proportion fell from 9.9% to 8.0%.

Census 2021 was undertaken during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This may have influenced how people perceived their health status and activity limitations, and therefore may have affected how people chose to respond.

Caution should be taken when making comparisons between 2011 and 2021 because of changes in question wording and response options.

The percentage of people who were identified as being disabled and limited a lot in Stoke-on-Trent decreased by 2.9 percentage points

Age-standardised proportion of usual residents by long-term health condition or illness,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2021_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2011_West Midlands_% 2021_West Midlands_% 2011_England_%2021_England_% Percentage in Stoke-on-Trent Percentage in undefined
Disabled and limited a lot 13.4 10.5 9.9 8.0 9.1 7.5 13.4%
10.5%
Disabled and limited a little 12.1 11.9 10.6 10.4 10.2 10.2 12.1%
11.9%
Not disabled 74.5 77.6 79.4 81.5 80.7 82.3 74.5%
77.6%

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021

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Unpaid care in Stoke-on-Trent

In 2021, 4.3% of Stoke-on-Trent residents (aged five years and over) reported providing up to 19 hours of unpaid care each week. This figure decreased from 6.7% in 2011. These are age-standardised proportions.

Age-standardised proportions are used throughout this section. They enable comparisons between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure.

In 2021, just under 1 in 40 people (2.4%) reported providing between 20 and 49 hours of unpaid care each week, compared with 2.0% in 2011. The proportion of Stoke-on-Trent residents (aged five years and over) that provided at least 50 hours of weekly unpaid care decreased from 3.6% to 3.5%.

The decrease in the proportion of people (aged five years and over) providing up to 19 hours of weekly unpaid care was greater across the West Midlands (2.9 percentage points, from 7.4% to 4.5%) than in Stoke-on-Trent (2.4 percentage points). Across England, the proportion fell by 2.8 percentage points, from 7.2% to 4.4%.

Census 2021 was undertaken during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This may have influenced how people perceived and managed their provision of unpaid care, and therefore may have affected how people chose to respond.

Caution should be taken when making comparisons between 2011 and 2021 because of changes in question wording and response options.

The percentage of people (aged five years and over) providing up to 19 hours of weekly unpaid care in Stoke-on-Trent decreased by 2.4 percentage points

Age-standardised proportion of usual residents (aged five years and over) by hours per week of unpaid care provision,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2021_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2011_West Midlands_% 2021_West Midlands_% 2011_England_%2021_England_% Percentage in Stoke-on-Trent Percentage in undefined
Does not provide weekly unpaid care 87.7 89.8 87.8 90.5 88.7 91.1 87.7%
89.8%
Up to 19 hours of unpaid care 6.7 4.3 7.4 4.5 7.2 4.4 6.7%
4.3%
20 to 49 hours of unpaid care 2.0 2.4 1.7 2.1 1.5 1.8 2.0%
2.4%
50 or more hours of unpaid care 3.6 3.5 3.0 3.0 2.7 2.7 3.6%
3.5%

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021

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Stoke-on-Trent residents' country of birth

In the latest census, around 221,100 Stoke-on-Trent residents said they were born in England. This represented 85.6% of the local population. The figure has decreased from just over 224,500 in 2011, which at the time represented 90.2% of Stoke-on-Trent's population.

Pakistan was the next most represented, with around 6,000 Stoke-on-Trent residents reporting this country of birth (2.3%). This figure was up from around 4,300 in 2011, which at the time represented 1.7% of the population of Stoke-on-Trent.

The number of Stoke-on-Trent residents born in Romania rose from just over 100 in 2011 (0.0% of the local population) to just over 3,800 in 2021 (1.5%).

In 2021, 85.6% of Stoke-on-Trent residents reported their country of birth as England

Percentage of usual residents by country of birth,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2021_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2011_West Midlands_% 2021_West Midlands_% 2011_England_%2021_England_% Percentage in Stoke-on-Trent Percentage in undefined
England 90.2 85.6 86.1 82.6 83.5 80.3 90.2%
85.6%
Pakistan 1.7 2.3 1.6 1.9 0.9 1.1 1.7%
2.3%
Romania 0.0 1.5 0.1 0.9 0.1 0.9 0.0%
1.5%
Poland 0.7 1.2 0.9 1.2 1.1 1.3 0.7%
1.2%
Countries that joined the EU between April 2001 and March 2011 (other than Poland, Croatia, Lithuania and Romania) 0.4 1.0 0.4 0.7 0.7 1.0 0.4%
1.0%

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
Notes:
  1. This chart shows the five most common countries of birth in Stoke-on-Trent in 2021
  2. Please see the data dictionary for further detail on country of birth groupings

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Family in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent saw the West Midlands' largest percentage-point fall in the proportion of households including a couple with only non-dependent children (from 6.4% in 2011 to 5.8% in 2021).

Lichfield (from 7.8% to 7.4%) and Staffordshire Moorlands (from 8.0% to 7.5%) saw the West Midlands' next largest decreases in the percentage of households including a couple with only non-dependent children.

The percentage of households including a couple with only non-dependent children in Stoke-on-Trent decreased by 0.6 percentage points

Percentage of households by household composition,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2021_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2011_West Midlands_% 2021_West Midlands_% 2011_England_%2021_England_% Percentage in Stoke-on-Trent Percentage in undefined
One-person household: Aged 66 years and over (Aged 65 years and over in 2011) 12.4 12.9 12.6 13.1 12.4 12.8 12.4%
12.9%
One-person household: Other 20.5 19.9 16.9 16.8 17.9 17.3 20.5%
19.9%
Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: No children 16.9 16.5 16.9 15.9 17.6 16.8 16.9%
16.5%
Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: With dependent children 18.3 18.2 19.7 19.0 19.3 18.9 18.3%
18.2%
Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: All children non-dependent 6.4 5.8 6.7 6.9 6.1 6.3 6.4%
5.8%
Single-family household: Lone-parent household 12.1 12.9 11.3 11.8 10.6 11.1 12.1%
12.9%
Other household types 13.4 13.9 15.9 16.6 16.1 16.9 13.4%
13.9%

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021

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National identity in Stoke-on-Trent

The increase in the percentage of people who did not identify with any national identity associated with the UK was greater in Stoke-on-Trent (3.5 percentage points) than in nearby Staffordshire Moorlands (0.3 percentage points).

In Stoke-on-Trent, the percentage of people who did not identify with at least one UK national identity increased from 4.9% in 2011 to 8.4% in 2021. During the same period, the percentage in nearby Staffordshire Moorlands increased from 1.2% to 1.5%.

The percentage of people who identified with a UK and non-UK national identity in Stoke-on-Trent increased from 0.4% to 1.2%, while the percentage of people who identified as "British only" increased from 14.7% to 54.7%.

In Census 2021, “British” was moved to the top response option and this may have influenced how people described their national identity. For further information, please see our quality report.

The percentage of people who did not identify with at least one UK national identity in Stoke-on-Trent increased by 3.5 percentage points

Percentage of usual residents by national identity,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2021_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2011_West Midlands_% 2021_West Midlands_% 2011_England_%2021_England_% Percentage in Stoke-on-Trent Percentage in undefined
British only identity 14.7 54.7 19.2 56.9 19.2 56.8 14.7%
54.7%
Welsh only identity 0.4 0.2 0.8 0.5 0.6 0.3 0.4%
0.2%
Welsh and British only identity 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.0%
0.1%
English only identity 69.7 17.9 63.2 16.9 60.4 15.3 69.7%
17.9%
English and British only identity 9.1 17.0 8.7 14.6 9.1 14.3 9.1%
17.0%
Any other combination of only UK identities 0.7 0.6 1.1 0.7 1.6 1.1 0.7%
0.6%
Non-UK identity only 4.9 8.4 6.2 8.7 8.2 10.0 4.9%
8.4%
UK identity and non-UK identity 0.4 1.2 0.6 1.5 0.9 2.0 0.4%
1.2%

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021

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Ethnic groups in Stoke-on-Trent

In 2021, 9.9% of Stoke-on-Trent residents identified their ethnic group within the "Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh" category, up from 7.4% in 2011. The 2.5 percentage-point change was the largest increase among high-level ethnic groups in this area.

Across the West Midlands, the percentage of people from the "Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh" ethnic group increased from 10.8% to 13.3%, while across England the percentage increased from 7.8% to 9.6%.

In 2021, 83.5% of people in Stoke-on-Trent identified their ethnic group within the "White" category (compared with 88.6% in 2011), while 2.7% identified their ethnic group within the "Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African" category (compared with 1.5% the previous decade).

The percentage of people who identified their ethnic group within the "Mixed or Multiple" category increased from 1.8% in 2011 to 2.3% in 2021.

There are many factors that may be contributing to the changing ethnic composition of England and Wales, such as differing patterns of ageing, fertility, mortality, and migration. Changes may also be caused by differences in the way individuals chose to self-identify between censuses.

Read the bulletin Ethnic group, England and Wales: Census 2021.

In 2021, 9.9% of usual residents in Stoke-on-Trent identified their ethnic group within the "Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh" category

Percentage of usual residents by ethnic group,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2021_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2011_West Midlands_% 2021_West Midlands_% 2011_England_%2021_England_% Percentage in Stoke-on-Trent Percentage in undefined
Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh 7.4 9.9 10.8 13.3 7.8 9.6 7.4%
9.9%
Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African 1.5 2.7 3.3 4.5 3.5 4.2 1.5%
2.7%
Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups 1.8 2.3 2.4 3.0 2.3 3.0 1.8%
2.3%
White 88.6 83.5 82.7 77.0 85.4 81.0 88.6%
83.5%
Other ethnic groups 0.7 1.7 0.9 2.1 1.0 2.2 0.7%
1.7%

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021

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Religion in Stoke-on-Trent

In 2021, 37.7% of Stoke-on-Trent residents reported having "No religion", up from 25.2% in 2011. The rise of 12.5 percentage points was the largest increase of all broad religious groups in Stoke-on-Trent. Because the census question about religious affiliation is voluntary and has varying response rates, caution is needed when comparing figures between different areas or between censuses.

Across the West Midlands, the percentage of residents who described themselves as having "No religion" increased from 22.0% to 32.9%, while across England the percentage increased from 24.8% to 36.7%.

In 2021, 45.8% of people in Stoke-on-Trent described themselves as Christian (down from 60.9%), while 9.2% described themselves as Muslim (up from 6.0% the decade before).

There are many factors that can cause changes to the religious profile of an area, such as a changing age structure or residents relocating for work or education. Changes may also be caused by differences in the way individuals chose to self-identify between censuses. Religious affiliation is the religion with which someone connects or identifies, rather than their beliefs or religious practice.

Read the bulletin Religion, England and Wales: Census 2021.

In 2021, 37.7% of usual residents in Stoke-on-Trent reported having "No religion"

Percentage of usual residents by religion,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2021_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2011_West Midlands_% 2021_West Midlands_% 2011_England_%2021_England_% Percentage in Stoke-on-Trent Percentage in undefined
No religion 25.2 37.7 22.0 32.9 24.8 36.7 25.2%
37.7%
Christian 60.9 45.8 60.2 46.6 59.4 46.3 60.9%
45.8%
Buddhist 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.3%
0.3%
Hindu 0.6 0.5 1.3 1.5 1.5 1.8 0.6%
0.5%
Jewish 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.5 0.0%
0.0%
Muslim 6.0 9.2 6.7 9.6 5.0 6.7 6.0%
9.2%
Sikh 0.2 0.2 2.4 2.9 0.8 0.9 0.2%
0.2%
Other 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.6 0.4%
0.4%
Not answered 6.4 5.7 6.6 5.7 7.1 6.0 6.4%
5.7%

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021

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Relationships in Stoke-on-Trent

In 2021, 9.6% of Stoke-on-Trent residents (aged 16 years and over) said they had got divorced or dissolved a civil partnership. This figure was at a similar level in 2011 (9.8%).

Stoke-on-Trent saw the West Midlands' joint third-largest fall (alongside Wolverhampton) in the percentage of people aged 16 years and over who had divorced or dissolved a civil partnership.

These figures include same-sex marriages and opposite-sex civil partnerships in 2021, neither of which were legally recognised in England and Wales in 2011. Same-sex marriages have been legally recognised in England and Wales since 2014 and opposite-sex civil partnerships have been recognised since 2019.

The percentage of adults who had divorced or dissolved a civil partnership in Stoke-on-Trent decreased by 0.2 percentage points

Percentage of usual residents aged 16 years and over by legal partnership status,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2021_Stoke-on-Trent_% 2011_West Midlands_% 2021_West Midlands_% 2011_England_%2021_England_% Percentage in Stoke-on-Trent Percentage in undefined
Never married and never registered a civil partnership 36.0 40.0 33.7 37.1 34.6 37.9 36.0%
40.0%
Married or in a registered civil partnership 43.8 41.1 47.7 45.3 46.8 44.7 43.8%
41.1%
Separated, but still legally married or still legally in a civil partnership 2.8 2.7 2.6 2.3 2.7 2.2 2.8%
2.7%
Divorced or civil partnership dissolved 9.8 9.6 8.7 8.8 9.0 9.1 9.8%
9.6%
Widowed or surviving civil partnership partner 7.5 6.6 7.3 6.5 6.9 6.1 7.5%
6.6%

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021

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About the data

Census data are adjusted to reflect estimated non-response so that the published results relate to the entire usually resident population as it was on Census Day (21 March 2021).

Those respondents who were on furlough because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic were asked to classify themselves as "temporarily away from work" to ensure they remained in the economically active population.

Students are counted as usually resident at their term-time address even if they were not physically present there on Census Day.

The questions relating to disability differed slightly between 2011 and 2021 to ensure that data were more closely aligned with the definition of disability in the Equality Act (2010). There was also a change to question wording for unpaid care, for more information read the health, disability and unpaid care quality information.

Age-standardised proportions are used throughout the health, disability and unpaid care sections. They allow for fairer comparisons between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure. The 2013 European Standard Population is used to standardise proportions.

Percentages and percentage point changes have been individually rounded to one decimal place. This means they may not sum exactly.

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About these articles

There is an article like this for every local authority district in England and Wales. The articles have been written and semi-automated by our data journalists and are a new publishing format for the Office for National Statistics.

Topics are chosen and ordered automatically based on how relevant they are for each area, however all data are checked before publishing.

We have not included topics that were new for Census 2021 or where there is no comparability with the 2011 Census. Read about how we developed and tested the questions for Census 2021.

These articles were first published on 8 December 2022 covering topics such as demography, country of birth, ethnic groups, religion, national identity and economic activity status. They were updated on 19 January 2023 following the release of more data from Census 2021 and now include housing tenure, general health, disability and unpaid care.

All versions of this article

Related links

Census 2021 topic summaries

Supporting information | Released 2 November 2022

What topic summary data for Census 2021 will be available and how to view them.

Census maps

Interactive tool | Released 8 December 2022

Use our interactive map to find out what people’s lives are like across England and Wales.

How well do you know your area?

Digital Content Article | Released 2 December 2022

Test your knowledge of where you live with our Census quiz.

Contact

census.customerservices@ons.gov.uk

Telephone: +44 1329 44 4972

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