Census demography dashboard commentary: population change
This commentary is from the population change page of the Census demography dashboard. Select an area below to view the commentary.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Younger population (aged 17 years and under)
Wards that have seen significant housing development since Census 2011 have had the highest increase in the younger population (aged 17 years and under) between Census 2011 and 2021. This includes Trumpington in Cambridge (290.0%), St Neots East in Huntingdonshire (131.7%), Stanground South in Peterborough (112.0%) and Longstanton in South Cambridgeshire (93.3%). Wards with the largest decreases for this age group have tended to be rural wards in Huntingdonshire, such as Alconbury (-31.1%), Somersham (-22.8%) and Kimbolton (-21.4%).
For the population born most recently (aged 4 years and under), wards that have seen significant housing development have again seen the highest increases. This includes Trumpington in Cambridge (325.3%), Stanground South in Peterborough (114.4%) and Longstanton in South Cambridgeshire (64.7%). In contrast, the largest decreases have occurred in a range of ward types, including Wittering in Peterborough (-39.9%), Ely East (-37.8%) and Ely West (-39.0%) in East Cambridgeshire and many of the urban wards in Cambridge.
Working aged population (aged 18 to 64 years)
Wards that have seen significant housing development since Census 2011 have had the highest increase in the working aged population (aged 18 to 64 years) between Census 2011 and 2021. This includes Trumpington in Cambridge (188.2%), St Neots East in Huntingdonshire (107.0%) and Hargate & Hempsted in Peterborough (83.3%). In contrast the largest decreases have occurred for both some market town wards – such as March West & Benwick in Fenland (-12.1%) and St Ives East in Huntingdonshire (-11.6%) – and rural wards – such as Wittering in Peterborough (-17.6%) and Bassingbourn in South Cambridgeshire (-13.5%).
For the younger working age population (aged 18 to 44 years), the highest increases have again occurred in wards with significant housing development such as Trumpington in Cambridge (226.1%), Stanground South in Peterborough (100.6%) and Longstanton in South Cambridgeshire (85.4%). The largest decreases have also tended to occur in both some rural wards – such as Wittering in Peterborough (-29.2%), Great Staughton in Huntingdonshire (-27.8%) and The Mordens in South Cambridgeshire (-23.9%) – and market town wards – such as March West & Benwick in Fenland (-22.0%) and Ely West in East Cambridgeshire (-18.2%).
For the older working age population (aged 45 to 64 years), the highest increases have again occurred in wards with significant housing development. The largest decreases have occurred in a range of areas, including Bar Hill in South Cambridgeshire (-12.6%), West in Peterborough (-12.4%) and Newnham in Cambridge (-10.0%).
Older population (aged 65 years and over)
Almost every ward in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has seen an increase in their older population (aged 65 years and over) between Census 2011 and 2021. Just three wards, Arbury in Cambridge (-2.7%) as well as Dogsthorpe (-5.1%) and North (-5.6%) in Peterborough have seen a decrease. The largest increases, aside from those occurring in wards with significant housing development, can be found in rural and market town wards such as Wittering in Peterborough (67.5%), Hardwick in South Cambridgeshire (63.2%), St Ives East in Huntingdonshire (58.7%) and Downham Villages in East Cambridgeshire (51.3%).
Cambridgeshire
Younger population (aged 17 years and under)
Wards that have seen significant housing development since Census 2011 have had the highest increase in the younger population (aged 17 years and under) between Census 2011 and 2021. This includes Trumpington in Cambridge (290.0%), St Neots East in Huntingdonshire (131.7%) and Longstanton in South Cambridgeshire (93.3%). Wards with the largest decreases for this age group have tended to be rural wards in Huntingdonshire, such as Alconbury (-31.1%), Somersham (-22.8%) and Kimbolton (-21.4%).
For the population born most recently (aged 4 years and under), wards that have seen significant housing development have again seen the highest increases. This includes Trumpington in Cambridge (325.3%), Longstanton in South Cambridgeshire (64.7%) and The Stukeleys in Huntingdonshire (46.9%). In contrast, the largest decreases have occurred in a range of ward types, including Ely East (-37.8%) and Ely West (-39.0%) in East Cambridgeshire and some urban wards in Cambridge.
Working aged population (aged 18 to 64 years)
Wards that have seen significant housing development since Census 2011 have had the highest increase in the working aged population (aged 18 to 64 years) between Census 2011 and 2021. This includes Trumpington in Cambridge (188.2%), St Neots East in Huntingdonshire (107.0%) and Longstanton in South Cambridgeshire (69.8%). In contrast the largest decreases have occurred for both some market town wards – such as March West & Benwick in Fenland (-12.1%) and St Ives East in Huntingdonshire (-11.6%) – and rural wards – such as Bassingbourn (-13.5%) and Girton (-12.4%) in South Cambridgeshire.
For the younger working age population (aged 18 to 44 years), the highest increases have again occurred in wards with significant housing development such as Trumpington (226.1%), Longstanton (85.4%) and St Neots East (81.2%). The largest decreases have also tended to occur in both some rural wards – such as Great Staughton in Huntingdonshire (-27.8%) and The Mordens in South Cambridgeshire (-23.9%) – and market town wards – such as March West & Benwick in Fenland (-22.0%) and Ely West in East Cambridgeshire (-18.2%).
For the older working age population (aged 45 to 64 years), the highest increases have again occurred in wards with significant housing development. The largest decreases have occurred in a range of areas, including Bar Hill in South Cambridgeshire (-12.6%), Newnham in Cambridge (-10.0%) and Whittlesey Lattersey in Fenland (-7.4%).
Older population (aged 65 years and over)
Almost every ward in Cambridgeshire has seen an increase in their older population (aged 65 years and over) between Census 2011 and 2021. Just Arbury ward in Cambridge (-2.7%) has seen a slight decrease. The largest increases, aside from those occurring in wards with significant housing development, can be found in rural and market town wards such as Hardwick in South Cambridgeshire (63.2%), St Ives East in Huntingdonshire (58.7%) and Downham Villages in East Cambridgeshire (51.3%).
Peterborough
Younger population (aged 17 years and under)
Peterborough’s urban wards have tended to see higher percentage increases in their younger population (aged 17 years and under), with the highest percentage increases found in the wards with significant housebuilding: Stanground South (112.0%) and Hargate & Hempsted (64.8%). The only urban ward to see a decrease in this age group has been Werrington, with a decrease of 16.2%.
Two of Peterborough’s rural wards have seen sizeable percentage increases in their younger population – Barnack (24.0%) and Eye, Thorney and Newborough (19.3%), while two have seen percentage decreases – Glinton and Castor (-6.1%) and Wittering (-7.8%).
For the population born most recently, aged 4 years and under, over half of wards in Peterborough have seen a decrease in this age group between Census 2011 and 2021. The largest decrease is found in the rural ward of Wittering (-39.9%), but there have also been decreases in some of the urban wards, such as Bretton (-19.3%) and West (-19.0%). The wards that have seen notable increases in this age group are Stanground South (114.4%) and Hargate & Hempsted (50.4%), (21.5%) both of which have seen significant housing development. Gunthorpe (24.6%) and Fletton and Stanground (21.5%) have also seen notable rises in the population aged 4 years and under.
Working aged population (aged 18 to 64 years)
Most of Peterborough’s wards have seen an increase in their working aged population between Census 2011 and 2021. The largest percentage increases have occurred in urban wards with significant housing development, such as Hargate & Hempsted (83.3%), Stanground South (81.5%), Hampton Vale (40.7%) and Central (33.6%). The rural wards of Barnack (22.5%) and Eye, Thorney & Newborough (15.2%) have also seen notable increases.
In contrast, five wards have seen decreases in this age group since Census 2011, ranging from a slight -0.8% decrease in Orton Waterville to a -17.6% decrease in the rural ward of Wittering.
For the younger working age population (aged 18 to 44 years), the same trend is found. Larger increases have occurred for wards with significant housing development – such as Stanground South (100.6%) and Hargate & Hempsted (72.7%) – as well as Barnack (23.5%) and Eye, Thorney & Newborough (15.1%) for the rural wards. Notable decreases have occurred in Wittering (-29.2%), Werrington (-15.3%) and Glinton & Castor (-7.7%) wards.
For the older working age population (aged 45 to 64 years), the largest increases have occurred in wards with significant housing development – such as Hampton Vale (128.2%), Hargate & Hempsted (116.0%) and Stanground South (53.1%). Just four wards have seen a decrease in this age group, with the largest decreases found in the urban wards of West (-12.4%) and Orton Waterville (-5.1%) and the rural ward of Glinton & Castor (-4.8%).
Older population (aged 65 years and over)
Almost all of Peterborough’s wards have seen an increase in their older population (aged 65 years and over) between Census 2011 and 2021. The two largest increases have occurred in Hampton Vale (101.7%) and Hargate & Hempsted (85.2%), which have seen significant housing development. However, other rural and urban wards have seen significant increases in this age group, including Wittering (67.5%), Orton Waterville (40.4%) and Bretton (40.0%). In contrast, just two wards have seen a decrease in this age group, which are the urban wards of Dogsthorpe (-5.1%) and North (-5.6%).
Cambridge
Younger population (aged 17 years and under)
Cambridge’s wards have seen a mix of increases and decreases in their younger age population (aged 17 years and under). The highest increases have occurred in Trumpington (290.0%) and Castle (44.3%) wards, both of which have seen significant housing development since Census 2011. The remaining increases range between 27.8% (Arbury) and 2.1% (East Chesterton). The largest percentage decreases have tended to occur in wards towards the centre of Cambridge, such as Newnham (-15.1%), West Chesterton (-10.2%) and Market (-9.7%).
For the population born most recently (aged 4 years and under), all but two wards in Cambridge have seen decreases in this age group between Census 2011 and 2021. The only increases have occurred in Trumpington (325.3%) and Castle (46.9%), likely due to the significant housing development that has occurred in these wards. The decreases range from -0.3% in Arbury to -36.1% in Market, with decreases of more than -30% also found in West Chesterton (-35.6%), Abbey (-34.6%) and Newnham (-32.4%).
Working aged population (aged 18 to 64 years)
All wards but one in Cambridge have seen increases in their working aged population (aged 18 to 64 years) between Census 2011 and 2021. The highest increases have occurred in Trumpington (188.2%) and Castle (65.7%) wards, which have seen significant housing development. Notable increases have also occurred in Queen Edith’s (43.5%) and Coleridge (24.5%). The only decrease has occurred in Newnham ward (-4.2%).
For the younger working age population (aged 18 to 44 years), the same trends can be found. The highest increases have occurred in the two wards with significant housing development – Trumpington (226.1%) and Castle (75.2%) – but also for Queen Edith’s (49.7%) and Coleridge (23.8%). Slight decreases for this age group have occurred in two wards: Newnham (-3.5%) and East Chesterton (-2.8%).
For the older working age population (aged 45 to 64 years), again the highest increases have been for Trumpington (131.6%), Queen Edith’s (32.5%), Castle (30.9%) and Coleridge (26.4%). Just one ward has seen a decrease for this age group, which is Newnham (-10.0%).
Older population (aged 65 years and over)
All but one ward in Cambridge have seen increases in their older population (aged 65 years and over) between Census 2011 and 2021, with the highest increases occurring in Petersfield (44.5%), Trumpington (38.9%), West Chesterton (29.9%) and Castle (29.7%). The only ward to have seen a decrease for this age group is Arbury (-2.7%).
East Cambridgeshire
Younger population (aged 17 years and under)
Over half of wards in East Cambridgeshire have seen a decrease in their younger population (aged 17 years and under) between Census 2011 and 2021. It is predominantly market town wards that have seen increases, including Soham South (33.6%), Littleport (11.0%) and Ely North (6.9%). The decreases for this age group range between -0.6% in Fordham & Isleham to -10.8% in Ely West.
For the population born most recently (aged 4 years and under), only Soham South ward has seen an increase in this age group, of 17.8%. For the remaining wards, the decrease ranges from -1.6% in Littleport to -39.0% in Ely West. In fact, the two other Ely wards have also seen significant decreases: Ely East -37.8% and Ely North -31.4%.
Working aged population (aged 18 to 64 years)
Just three wards in East Cambridgeshire have seen increases in their working age population (aged 18 to 64 years) between Census 2011 and Census 2021. These increases have occurred in the market town wards of Soham South (13.3%), Littleport (12.9%) and Ely North (11.0%). The decreases for the remaining wards range from -0.4% in Stretham to -8.0% in Downham Villages.
For the younger working age population (aged 18 to 44 years), only the wards of Soham South (13.3%) and Littleport (8.9%) have seen increases between Census 2011 and 2021. For the remaining wards, the decreases range between -3.5% in Bottisham to -18.2% in Ely West.
In contrast, for the older working age population (aged 45 to 64 years), most wards in East Cambridgeshire have seen an increase between Census 2011 and 2021. The largest increases have tended to occur in market town wards, such as Ely North (46.5%), Littleport (19.1%) and Ely West (16.5%). Three rural wards have seen a decrease in this age group, ranging from -0.3% in Woodditton to -3.6% in Downham Villages.
Older population (aged 65 years and over)
For the older population (aged 65 years and over), every ward in East Cambridgeshire has seen an increase in this age group between Census 2011 and 2021. The increases range from 18.5% in Littleport to 51.3% in Downham Villages. There have been high increases for both market town wards – such as Soham South (45.7%), Soham North (42.3%) and Ely North (31.9%) – and for rural wards – such as Downham Villages, Haddenham (37.8%) and Stretham (36.2%).
Fenland
Younger population (aged 17 years and under)
Most wards in Fenland have seen an increase in their younger population (aged 17 years and under) between Census 2011 and 2021. The increases have tended to be higher for market town wards, such as Wisbech South (15.1%), Whittlesey East & Villages (11.3%) and Whittlesey North West (10.9%). In contrast, five wards have seen a decrease in this age group, ranging from -3.1% in March North to -21.9% in Whittlesey Lattersey.
For the population born most recently (aged 4 years and under), half of Fenland’s wards have seen an increase in this age group between Census 2011 and 2021. Certain market town wards have seen the highest increases, including Whittlesey North West (35.5%), Whittlesey East & Villages (18.0%) and Chatteris North & Manea (12.2%). However, other market town wards have seen notable decreases in this age group, such as Whittlesey Lattersey (-32.6%), March North (-25.3%) and Whittlesey South (-18.6%).
Working aged population (aged 18 to 64 years)
For the working aged population (aged 18 to 64 years), most wards in Fenland have seen an increase between Census 2011 and 2021. The largest increases have occurred in some market town wards, including Wisbech Riverside (15.1%), Wisbech South (13.3%) and Chatteris North & Manea (11.9%). However, other market town wards have also seen notable decreases for this age group, including March West & Benwick (-12.1%) and Whittlesey Lattersey (-8.6%).
For the younger working age population (aged 18 to 44 years), just over half of Fenland’s wards have seen an increase. Again, this increase has been highest in particular market town wards – such as Whittlesey East & Villages (14.9%), Whittlesey North West (13.0%) and Wisbech Riverside (11.6%) – but with notable decreases for the market town wards of March West & Benwick (-22.0%) and Whittlesey Lattersey (-9.7%).
For the older working age population (aged 45 to 64 years), all but three of Fenland’s wards have seen an increase in this age group. The highest increases have occurred in Wisbech, notably Wisbech South (22.5%), Wisbech Riverside (20.7%) and Wisbech North (17.9%). The three wards that have seen a decrease are Whittlesey Lattersey (-7.4%), Leverington & Wisbech Rural (-1.4%) and March East (-0.9%).
Older population (aged 65 years and over)
For the older population (aged 65 years and over), all of Fenland’s wards have seen an increase in this age group between Census 2011 and 2021. This increase ranges from 41.1% in Whittlesey East & Villages to 5.3% in Wisbech South. The highest increases have occurred in Whittlesey, including Whittlesey North West (39.2%) and Whittlesey Lattersey (38.5%). Rural wards have also seen some notable increases, including Doddington & Wimblington (37.6%) and Parson Drove & Wisbech St Mary (31.7%).
Huntingdonshire
Younger population (aged 17 years and under)
For the younger population (aged 17 years and under) over half of wards in Huntingdonshire have seen a decrease between Census 2011 and 2021. This decrease has tended to be larger for rural wards, such as Alconbury (-31.1%), Somersham (-22.8%) and Kimbolton (-21.4%). The highest increases for this age group have occurred in wards which have seen significant housing development, such as St Neots East (131.7%), Brampton (30.9%) and The Stukeleys (28.8%).
For the population born most recently (aged 4 years and under), again over half of wards in Huntingdonshire have seen a decrease. However, significant decreases have occurred in both market town wards – such as St Ives East (-28.7%), St Neots Eynesbury (-22.2%) and St Neots Eatons (-21.0%) – and rural wards – such as Kimbolton (-24.5%) and Alconbury (-24.3%). The highest increases have also again occurred in the wards with significant housing development, namely The Stukeleys (46.9%), St Neots East (38.5%) and Brampton (21.1%).
Working aged population (aged 18 to 64 years)
For the working aged population (aged 18 to 64 years), over half of Huntingdonshire’s wards have seen a decrease between Census 2011 and 2021. The decreases have tended to be higher for rural wards, such as Holywell-cum-Needingworth (-11.3%), Great Staughton (-11.2%) and Somerham (-9.5%). However, there have been notable decreases for some market town wards, such as St Ives East (-11.6%) and St Neots Eatons (-8.3%). The highest increases for this age group have occurred in wards with significant housing development, namely St Neots East (107.0%), Brampton (28.8%) and The Stukeleys (22.3%).
For the younger working age population (aged 18 to 44 years), the largest increases have again occurred in St Neots East (81.2%), Brampton (29.8%) and The Stukeleys (19.7%). The largest decreases are found for both market town wards – such as St Ives East (-16.9%) – and rural wards – such as Great Staughton (-27.8%) and Holywell-cum-Needingworth (-16.4%).
For the older working age population (aged 45 to 64 years), the largest increases have again occurred in St Neots East (209.0%), Brampton (27.5%) and The Stukeleys (26.4%). The largest decreases have tended to occur in both market town wards – such as St Ives West (-5.9%) and Huntingdon East (-4.4%) – and rural wards – such as Holywell-cum-Needingworth (-6.7%) and Somersham (-4.1%).
Older population (aged 65 years and over)
For the older population (aged 65 years and over), every ward in Huntingdonshire has seen an increase of at least 20% between Census 2011 and 2021. The highest increases have occurred in St Neots East (260.7%) and The Stukeleys (60.9%), both of which have seen significant housing development. Other wards with notable increases for this age group are St Ives East (58.7%), Holywell-cum-Needingworth (50.2%) and Somersham (48.4%).
South Cambridgeshire
Younger population (aged 17 years and under)
For the younger population (aged 17 years and under), just over half of wards in South Cambridgeshire have seen an increase between Census 2011 and 2021. The highest increases have occurred in Longstanton (93.3%), Cambourne (41.8%) and Harston & Comberton (20.6%), all of which have seen significant housing development since Census 2011 (with Longstanton ward including the new development of Northstowe). The largest decreases for this age group are found in Balsham (-15.3%), Bassingbourn (-15.2%) and Hardwick (-12.2%).
For the population born most recently (aged 4 years and under), most wards in South Cambridgeshire have seen a decrease. The largest decreases have occurred in Girton (-27.1%), Cottenham (-20.5%) and Linton (-20.2%). The largest increases for this age group have again occurred in Longstanton (64.7%) and Harston & Comberton (24.3%), which have both seen significant housing development.
Working aged population (aged 18 to 64 years)
For the working age population (aged 18 to 64 years), over half of wards in South Cambridgeshire have seen a decrease between Census 2011 and 2021. The largest decreases have occurred in Bassingbourn (-13.5%), Girton (-12.4%) and Bar Hill (-11.8%). In contrast, the largest increases have occurred in wards with significant housing development, namely Longstanton (69.8%), Cambourne (41.9%) and Harston & Comberton (19.3%).
For the younger working age population (aged 18 to 44 years), this same trend has occurred with the largest increases found in Longstanton (85.4%), Harston & Comberton (29.6%) and Cambourne (14.7%). The largest decreases have occurred in The Mordens (-23.9%), Girton (-23.3%) and Bassingbourn (-19.8%).
For the older working age population (aged 45 to 64 years), the largest increases are again found in Cambourne (137.6%) and Longstanton (47.6%), while the largest decreases have occurred in Bar Hill (-12.6%), Sawston (-9.6%) and Hardwick (-7.5%).
Older population (aged 65 years and over)
For the older population (aged 65 years and over), all wards in South Cambridgeshire have seen an increase of at least 13% between Census 2011 and 2021. The largest increases have occurred in Cambourne (84.9%), Hardwick (63.2%) and Longstanton (49.1%), while the smallest increases have occurred in Shelford (13.8%), Fen Ditton & Fulbourn (16.7%) and Harston & Comberton (17.4%).