/visualisations/censusareachanges/W06000010/

The population reached nearly 190,000

Between the last two censuses (held in 2011 and 2021), the population of Carmarthenshire increased by 2.2%, from around 183,800 in 2011 to around 187,900 in 2021.

This means Carmarthenshire's population increased by a greater percentage than the overall population of Wales. The population of Wales increased by 1.4%, from 3,063,000 to 3,107,000.

In 2021, Carmarthenshire was home to around 0.6 people per football pitch-sized piece of land. This area was the fifth-least densely populated out of all 22 local authority areas across Wales.

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 higher in Carmarthenshire than across Wales

Percentage population change, Carmarthenshire and surrounding areas, 2011 Census to Census 2021
Wales ▲1.4% Carmarthenshire ▲2.2%
-2-0.50.5+2+8+16%

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

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An older Carmarthenshire

Between the last two censuses, the average (median) age of Carmarthenshire increased by two years, from 44 to 46 years of age.

This area had a slightly lower average (median) age than nearby Ceredigion (47 years) and a higher average (median) age than Wales as a whole (42 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 65 to 74 years rose by just under 4,300 (an increase of 21.0%), while the number of residents between 35 and 49 years fell by around 4,200 (11.7% decrease).

The share of residents aged between 65 and 74 years increased by 2.0 percentage points between 2011 and 2021

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


comparisons
Classification 2011_Carmarthenshire_% 2021_Carmarthenshire_% 2011_Wales_% 2021_Wales_% 2011_Wales_%2021_Wales_% Percentage in Carmarthenshire Percentage in undefined
85 years and over 2.8 3.0 2.4 2.7 2.4 2.7 2.8%
3.0%
75 to 84 years 6.9 8.1 6.1 7.1 6.1 7.1 6.9%
8.1%
65 to 74 years 11.1 13.1 9.8 11.6 9.8 11.6 11.1%
13.1%
50 to 64 years 20.7 21.8 19.4 20.5 19.4 20.5 20.7%
21.8%
35 to 49 years 19.6 16.9 20.1 17.6 20.1 17.6 19.6%
16.9%
25 to 34 years 10.3 11.0 11.8 12.3 11.8 12.3 10.3%
11.0%
20 to 24 years 5.8 4.7 6.9 6.0 6.9 6.0 5.8%
4.7%
16 to 19 years 4.9 4.2 5.3 4.6 5.3 4.6 4.9%
4.2%
10 to 15 years 7.1 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.1%
7.0%
5 to 9 years 5.3 5.5 5.3 5.7 5.3 5.7 5.3%
5.5%
4 years and under 5.6 4.8 5.8 5.0 5.8 5.0 5.6%
4.8%

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

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Fall in proportion of Welsh speakers

The percentage of Welsh speakers in Carmarthenshire fell from 43.9% in 2011 to 39.9% in 2021.

This was the largest decline in the percentage of Welsh speakers of any local authority area in the country. Of the few areas where knowledge of the Welsh language increased, Cardiff saw the largest change (from 11.1% to 12.2%).

In 2021, there were around 5,200 fewer Welsh-speaking Carmarthenshire residents (over the age of three years) compared with 2011. The number of people who did not speak Welsh increased by 10,300.

In nearby Ceredigion, 45.3% of people over the age of three years could speak Welsh, down from 47.3% at the 2011 Census. Across Wales, the percentage of Welsh speakers fell from 19.0% to 17.8%.

The percentage of people who could speak Welsh in Carmarthenshire decreased by 4.1 percentage points

Percentage of people aged three years and over by ability to speak Welsh,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Carmarthenshire_% 2021_Carmarthenshire_% 2011_Wales_% 2021_Wales_% 2011_Wales_%2021_Wales_% Percentage in Carmarthenshire Percentage in undefined
Cannot speak Welsh 56.1 60.1 81.0 82.2 81.0 82.2 56.1%
60.1%
Can speak Welsh 43.9 39.9 19.0 17.8 19.0 17.8 43.9%
39.9%

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

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Carmarthenshire residents' country of birth

In the latest census, around 138,700 Carmarthenshire residents said they were born in Wales. This represented 73.8% of the local population. The figure has decreased from around 139,700 in 2011, which at the time represented 76.0% of Carmarthenshire's population.

England was the next most represented, with just under 38,000 Carmarthenshire residents reporting this country of birth (20.2%). This figure was up from just under 34,800 in 2011, which at the time represented 18.9% of the population of Carmarthenshire.

The number of Carmarthenshire residents born in Poland rose from just over 2,000 in 2011 (1.1% of the local population) to around 2,400 in 2021 (1.3%).

In 2021, 73.8% of Carmarthenshire residents reported their country of birth as Wales

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


comparisons
Classification 2011_Carmarthenshire_% 2021_Carmarthenshire_% 2011_Wales_% 2021_Wales_% 2011_Wales_%2021_Wales_% Percentage in Carmarthenshire Percentage in undefined
Wales 76.0 73.8 72.7 70.9 72.7 70.9 76.0%
73.8%
England 18.9 20.2 20.8 21.2 20.8 21.2 18.9%
20.2%
Poland 1.1 1.3 0.6 0.8 0.6 0.8 1.1%
1.3%
Scotland 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.7%
0.7%
Germany 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3%
0.3%

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

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Rise in private renting

The increase in the percentage of privately-rented homes was greater in Carmarthenshire (3.1 percentage points) than in nearby Ceredigion (0.7 percentage points).

In Carmarthenshire, the percentage of private renting increased from 11.8% in 2011 to 14.9% in 2021. During the same period, the percentage in nearby Ceredigion increased from 19.9% to 20.6%.

The rate of social renting in Carmarthenshire fell from 14.8% to 14.3%, while the rate of home ownership decreased from 71.5% to 70.4%.

Private renting in Carmarthenshire increased by 3.1 percentage points

Percentage of households by housing tenure,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Carmarthenshire_% 2021_Carmarthenshire_% 2011_Wales_% 2021_Wales_% 2011_Wales_%2021_Wales_% Percentage in Carmarthenshire Percentage in undefined
Owns outright or with a mortgage or loan 71.5 70.4 67.4 66.1 67.4 66.1 71.5%
70.4%
Shared ownership 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2%
0.3%
Social rented 14.8 14.3 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 14.8%
14.3%
Private rented 11.8 14.9 14.1 17.0 14.1 17.0 11.8%
14.9%
Lives rent free 1.7 0.1 1.6 0.2 1.6 0.2 1.7%
0.1%

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

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Unpaid care in Carmarthenshire

In 2021, 4.9% of Carmarthenshire residents (aged five years and over) reported providing up to 19 hours of unpaid care each week. This figure decreased from 7.6% 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 Carmarthenshire residents (aged five years and over) that provided at least 50 hours of weekly unpaid care decreased from 4.0% to 3.9%.

The decrease in the proportion of people (aged five years and over) providing up to 19 hours of weekly unpaid care was greater in Carmarthenshire (2.7 percentage points) than in nearby Ceredigion (2.2 percentage points). In nearby Ceredigion, the proportion fell from 7.5% in 2011 to 5.3% in 2021, while across Wales, the proportion fell from 7.4% to 4.7%.

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 Carmarthenshire decreased by 2.7 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_Carmarthenshire_% 2021_Carmarthenshire_% 2011_Wales_% 2021_Wales_% 2011_Wales_%2021_Wales_% Percentage in Carmarthenshire Percentage in undefined
Does not provide weekly unpaid care 86.4 88.9 87.0 89.5 87.0 89.5 86.4%
88.9%
Up to 19 hours of unpaid care 7.6 4.9 7.4 4.7 7.4 4.7 7.6%
4.9%
20 to 49 hours of unpaid care 2.0 2.4 1.9 2.2 1.9 2.2 2.0%
2.4%
50 or more hours of unpaid care 4.0 3.9 3.7 3.6 3.7 3.6 4.0%
3.9%

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

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Religion in Carmarthenshire

In 2021, 44.4% of Carmarthenshire residents reported having "No religion", up from 28.9% in 2011. The rise of 15.5 percentage points was the largest increase of all broad religious groups in Carmarthenshire. 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 Wales, the percentage of residents who described themselves as having "No religion" increased from 32.1% to 46.5%.

In 2021, 47.6% of people in Carmarthenshire described themselves as Christian (down from 61.8%), while 6.2% did not state their religion (down from 8.0% 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, 44.4% of usual residents in Carmarthenshire reported having "No religion"

Percentage of usual residents by religion,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Carmarthenshire_% 2021_Carmarthenshire_% 2011_Wales_% 2021_Wales_% 2011_Wales_%2021_Wales_% Percentage in Carmarthenshire Percentage in undefined
No religion 28.9 44.4 32.1 46.5 32.1 46.5 28.9%
44.4%
Christian 61.8 47.6 57.6 43.6 57.6 43.6 61.8%
47.6%
Buddhist 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2%
0.3%
Hindu 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.2%
0.2%
Jewish 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0%
0.1%
Muslim 0.3 0.5 1.5 2.2 1.5 2.2 0.3%
0.5%
Sikh 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1%
0.1%
Other 0.5 0.6 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.5%
0.6%
Not answered 8.0 6.2 7.6 6.3 7.6 6.3 8.0%
6.2%

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

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More adults never married or in a civil partnership

The percentage of people aged 16 years and over who had never been married or in a civil partnership increased in Carmarthenshire, while the percentage remained stable in nearby Ceredigion.

In Carmarthenshire, the percentage of adults who had never been married or in a civil partnership increased from 29.5% in 2011 to 32.4% in 2021. During the same period, the percentage in nearby Ceredigion remained 38.7%.

The percentage of adults who were married or in a civil partnership in Carmarthenshire fell from 49.6% to 47.3%, while the percentage of adults who had divorced or dissolved a civil partnership increased from 10.0% to 10.5%.

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 never married or registered a civil partnership in Carmarthenshire increased by 2.9 percentage points

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


comparisons
Classification 2011_Carmarthenshire_% 2021_Carmarthenshire_% 2011_Wales_% 2021_Wales_% 2011_Wales_%2021_Wales_% Percentage in Carmarthenshire Percentage in undefined
Never married and never registered a civil partnership 29.5 32.4 33.5 37.2 33.5 37.2 29.5%
32.4%
Married or in a registered civil partnership 49.6 47.3 46.7 43.8 46.7 43.8 49.6%
47.3%
Separated, but still legally married or still legally in a civil partnership 2.0 2.0 2.2 2.0 2.2 2.0 2.0%
2.0%
Divorced or civil partnership dissolved 10.0 10.5 9.7 9.9 9.7 9.9 10.0%
10.5%
Widowed or surviving civil partnership partner 8.9 7.8 7.9 7.1 7.9 7.1 8.9%
7.8%

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

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Disability in Carmarthenshire

The increase in the age-standardised proportion of non-disabled residents was greater in Carmarthenshire (2.8 percentage points) than in nearby Ceredigion (0.7 percentage points).

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 Carmarthenshire, the proportion of non-disabled residents increased from 75.6% in 2011 to 78.4% in 2021. During the same period, the proportion in nearby Ceredigion increased from 79.3% to 80.0%.

The percentage of people who were identified as being disabled and limited a lot in Carmarthenshire fell from 13.0% to 10.5%, while the percentage of people who were identified as being disabled and limited a little decreased from 11.4% to 11.1%.

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 non-disabled residents in Carmarthenshire increased by 2.8 percentage points

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


comparisons
Classification 2011_Carmarthenshire_% 2021_Carmarthenshire_% 2011_Wales_% 2021_Wales_% 2011_Wales_%2021_Wales_% Percentage in Carmarthenshire Percentage in undefined
Disabled and limited a lot 13.0 10.5 12.3 10.0 12.3 10.0 13.0%
10.5%
Disabled and limited a little 11.4 11.1 11.1 11.1 11.1 11.1 11.4%
11.1%
Not disabled 75.6 78.4 76.6 78.9 76.6 78.9 75.6%
78.4%

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

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Family in Carmarthenshire

In 2021, 11.0% of Carmarthenshire households included a lone parent. This figure decreased from 11.3% in 2011.

In 2021, Carmarthenshire was ranked 16th-highest out of the 22 Welsh local authority areas for the percentage of lone-parent households. In 2011, it was ranked 10th-highest.

Carmarthenshire saw Wales' joint second-largest fall (alongside Pembrokeshire) in the percentage of lone-parent households. This area had the country's seventh lowest percentage of lone-parent households.

The percentage of households including a lone parent in Carmarthenshire decreased by 0.3 percentage points

Percentage of households by household composition,
0%
2011
2021


comparisons
Classification 2011_Carmarthenshire_% 2021_Carmarthenshire_% 2011_Wales_% 2021_Wales_% 2011_Wales_%2021_Wales_% Percentage in Carmarthenshire Percentage in undefined
One-person household: Aged 66 years and over (Aged 65 years and over in 2011) 14.8 15.4 13.7 14.6 13.7 14.6 14.8%
15.4%
One-person household: Other 15.4 15.6 17.1 17.3 17.1 17.3 15.4%
15.6%
Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: No children 18.0 17.2 17.2 16.5 17.2 16.5 18.0%
17.2%
Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: With dependent children 17.8 16.9 18.4 16.9 18.4 16.9 17.8%
16.9%
Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: All children non-dependent 7.0 7.0 6.8 6.9 6.8 6.9 7.0%
7.0%
Single-family household: Lone-parent household 11.3 11.0 11.4 12.0 11.4 12.0 11.3%
11.0%
Other household types 15.7 16.9 15.4 15.8 15.4 15.8 15.7%
16.9%

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

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Health in Carmarthenshire

In 2021, 47.2% of Carmarthenshire residents described their health as "very good", increasing from 45.7% in 2011. Those describing their health as "good" rose from 30.4% to 31.5%. 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 Carmarthenshire residents describing their health as "very bad" decreased from 2.1% to 1.7%, while those describing their health as "bad" fell from 6.0% to 5.2%.

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 very bad health in Carmarthenshire decreased by 0.4 percentage points

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


comparisons
Classification 2011_Carmarthenshire_% 2021_Carmarthenshire_% 2011_Wales_% 2021_Wales_% 2011_Wales_%2021_Wales_% Percentage in Carmarthenshire Percentage in undefined
Very good health 45.7 47.2 45.7 46.6 45.7 46.6 45.7%
47.2%
Good health 30.4 31.5 31.4 32.5 31.4 32.5 30.4%
31.5%
Fair health 15.8 14.4 15.0 14.1 15.0 14.1 15.8%
14.4%
Bad health 6.0 5.2 6.0 5.1 6.0 5.1 6.0%
5.2%
Very bad health 2.1 1.7 1.9 1.6 1.9 1.6 2.1%
1.7%

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

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National identity in Carmarthenshire

Of Carmarthenshire residents, 62.1% identified as "Welsh" (and no other national identity) in 2021, down from 64.8% in 2011.

In 2021, around 1 in 14 people (7.1%) described themselves as "Welsh and British only", compared with 6.1% in 2011. The percentage of residents in Carmarthenshire that identified as "British only" increased from 12.7% to 14.5%.

The percentage of people who identified as "Welsh only" remained 46.7% in nearby Ceredigion. Across Wales, the percentage fell from 57.5% to 55.2%.

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 identified as "Welsh only" in Carmarthenshire decreased by 2.7 percentage points

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


comparisons
Classification 2011_Carmarthenshire_% 2021_Carmarthenshire_% 2011_Wales_% 2021_Wales_% 2011_Wales_%2021_Wales_% Percentage in Carmarthenshire Percentage in undefined
British only identity 12.7 14.5 16.9 18.5 16.9 18.5 12.7%
14.5%
Welsh only identity 64.8 62.1 57.5 55.2 57.5 55.2 64.8%
62.1%
Welsh and British only identity 6.1 7.1 7.1 8.1 7.1 8.1 6.1%
7.1%
English only identity 10.1 8.7 11.2 9.1 11.2 9.1 10.1%
8.7%
English and British only identity 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.8 1.5 1.8 1.2%
1.4%
Any other combination of only UK identities 2.0 2.0 1.8 1.9 1.8 1.9 2.0%
2.0%
Non-UK identity only 2.7 3.2 3.4 4.2 3.4 4.2 2.7%
3.2%
UK identity and non-UK identity 0.3 0.9 0.4 1.2 0.4 1.2 0.3%
0.9%

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

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Change in employment

Of Carmarthenshire residents aged 16 years and over, 51.4% said they were employed (excluding full-time students) in 2021, down from 52.2% in 2011.

In 2021, just over 1 in 50 people (2.1%) said they were unemployed, compared with 3.3% in 2011. The percentage of retired Carmarthenshire residents increased from 26.7% to 27.8%.

The decrease in the percentage of people aged 16 years and over (excluding full-time students) who were employed was greater in Carmarthenshire (0.8 percentage points) than in nearby Ceredigion (0.3 percentage points). In nearby Ceredigion, the percentage fell from 47.0% in 2011 to 46.8% in 2021, while across Wales, the percentage fell from 52.5% to 51.9%.

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 Carmarthenshire decreased by 0.8 percentage points

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


comparisons
Classification 2011_Carmarthenshire_% 2021_Carmarthenshire_% 2011_Wales_% 2021_Wales_% 2011_Wales_%2021_Wales_% Percentage in Carmarthenshire Percentage in undefined
Economically active (excluding full-time students): In employment 52.2 51.4 52.5 51.9 52.5 51.9 52.2%
51.4%
Economically active (excluding full-time students): Unemployed 3.3 2.1 3.9 2.5 3.9 2.5 3.3%
2.1%
Economically active and a full-time student: In employment 1.8 1.3 2.3 1.6 2.3 1.6 1.8%
1.3%
Economically active and a full-time student: Unemployed 0.4 0.4 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.4%
0.4%
Economically inactive: Retired 26.7 27.8 24.0 24.7 24.0 24.7 26.7%
27.8%
Economically inactive: Student 4.0 4.1 5.4 5.7 5.4 5.7 4.0%
4.1%
Economically inactive: Looking after home or family 3.4 4.0 3.5 4.3 3.5 4.3 3.4%
4.0%
Economically inactive: Long-term sick or disabled 6.3 6.2 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.9 6.3%
6.2%
Economically inactive: Other 2.0 2.6 2.1 2.9 2.1 2.9 2.0%
2.6%

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

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Working hours in Carmarthenshire

In 2021, 8.8% of Carmarthenshire residents aged 16 years and over and in employment said they worked 15 hours or less per week. This figure was at a similar level in 2011 (8.7%).

In 2021, just over one in eight people (12.6%) said they worked over 49 hours per week, compared with 14.7% in 2011. The percentage of adults in employment working 31 to 48 hours per week increased from 55.3% to 57.2%.

The percentage of people aged 16 years and over and in employment who said they usually worked 15 hours or less per week was 12.4% (similar to 2011) in nearby Ceredigion. Across Wales, the percentage fell from 9.3% to 9.0%.

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

The percentage of adults who worked 15 hours or less in Carmarthenshire increased by 0.1 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_Carmarthenshire_% 2021_Carmarthenshire_% 2011_Wales_% 2021_Wales_% 2011_Wales_%2021_Wales_% Percentage in Carmarthenshire Percentage in undefined
15 hours or less worked 8.7 8.8 9.3 9.0 9.3 9.0 8.7%
8.8%
16 to 30 hours worked 21.3 21.5 21.0 20.9 21.0 20.9 21.3%
21.5%
31 to 48 hours worked 55.3 57.2 57.8 59.8 57.8 59.8 55.3%
57.2%
49 or more hours worked 14.7 12.6 11.9 10.2 11.9 10.2 14.7%
12.6%

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

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Ethnic groups in Carmarthenshire

In 2021, 0.9% of Carmarthenshire residents identified their ethnic group within the "Mixed or Multiple" category, up from 0.6% in 2011. The 0.4 percentage-point change was the largest increase among high-level ethnic groups in this area.

Across Wales, the percentage of people from "Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups" increased from 1.0% to 1.6%.

In 2021, 97.2% of people in Carmarthenshire identified their ethnic group within the "White" category (compared with 98.1% in 2011), while 1.2% identified their ethnic group within the "Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh" category (compared with 1.0% the previous decade).

The percentage of people who identified their ethnic group within the "Other" category ("Arab" or "Any other ethnic group") increased from 0.2% in 2011 to 0.4% 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, 0.9% of usual residents in Carmarthenshire identified their ethnic group within the "Mixed or Multiple" category

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


comparisons
Classification 2011_Carmarthenshire_% 2021_Carmarthenshire_% 2011_Wales_% 2021_Wales_% 2011_Wales_%2021_Wales_% Percentage in Carmarthenshire Percentage in undefined
Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh 1.0 1.2 2.3 2.9 2.3 2.9 1.0%
1.2%
Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African 0.2 0.2 0.6 0.9 0.6 0.9 0.2%
0.2%
Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups 0.6 0.9 1.0 1.6 1.0 1.6 0.6%
0.9%
White 98.1 97.2 95.6 93.8 95.6 93.8 98.1%
97.2%
Other ethnic groups 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.9 0.5 0.9 0.2%
0.4%

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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Download the data used in this article

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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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