The make-up of Reading Borough’s population has been transformed over the last decade, the Census reveals, writes Grant Williams, Local democracy reporter.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the results which provide estimates on the population of England and Wales, as well as age and sex profiles of local authorities.
The 2021 Census achieved a record response, with more than 20 million households completing questionnaires, 89% of which were done online. The information will be used to shape the future of public services.
Deputy national statistician Pete Benton said the data will provide a “crucial baseline” from which to monitor and manage change post pandemic.
The latest Census shows that the population of England and Wales has increased by more than 3.5 million, 6.3%, to 59,597,300 in the 10 years leading up to the data capture.
Over the same period, the population of Reading has gone up by 18,502, from 155,698 in 2011 to 174,200 in 2021 – an increase of 11.9%.
This is well above the average for the south-east of England, which increased by 7.5% from a total population of 9.3 million in 2011, but below nearby Wokingham’s population increase which is 15% – double the national average.
The trend of population ageing has continued, with more people than ever before in the older age groups, which is also reflected in Reading.
The 65+ age group has increased by 17.21% in the last 10 years, from 17,832 in 2011 to 20,900 in 2021, with the category now making up 12% of the borough’s population.
The lowest increase is seen in the under 15 age group, which make up 17.79% of Reading’s population, where there was an increase of 28,461 – 8.57% – to 30,900.
The category that makes up the largest proportion of the borough is the 15-64 group, 70.21% of the total population. This group has risen by 11.7% over the last 10 years to 122,200.
The balance of men and women in the area has changed, Reading’s population is now 49.8% male and 50.2% female. In 2011, people living in Reading were 50.1% male and 49.9% female.
In line with the national outlook, population density in the borough has also been on the rise, with an 11.9% increase since 2011.
Up from 3,855 in 2011, there are now 4,313 people per square metre in Reading, which equates to a ‘population per football pitch’ of 30.8 people.
Following these population estimates, the ONS will release further results from the Census in September. These will include data on ethnicity, religion, the labour market, education and housing.
