Census 2021: A Look at Salford and Manchester’s Population Growth

The Census 2021 report was recently released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), showing the population growth across England and Wales and within specific local authorities.

Greater Manchester vs. Other Areas

Out of all the local authorities in England and Wales, Salford is tied for the tenth fastest growing location and leading the way for the North of England. From 2011 to 2021, the city’s population density increased by an impressive 15.4% from around 233,900 to 269,900.

Within the top 10 areas to see the most significant percentage growth in the past 10 years, Salford is the only place not located in the South or East of England. Tower Hamlets took the top spot with 22.1% growth, and the City of London came in seventh with a 16.6% population increase.

Salford also isn’t the only north-western city seeing strong population growth. Neighbouring Manchester recorded a 9.7% increase in population density in the past decade with its population increasing from around 503,100 to 552,000. This percentage of growth is higher than the average for England, which comes to 6.6%.

Additionally, Manchester now ranks sixth for total population out of 309 local authority areas across England. The city moved up two places in the past decade, showing a strong period of growth for the city.

It’s also interesting to compare this growth to what’s happening in some of the other large cities across the UK. Many have not seen the same level of growth seen in Salford and Manchester. For example, Leeds has recorded 8.1% growth in the last 10 years, while Birmingham has had only a 6.7% increase and Liverpool 4.2%.

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Further population growth expected

Even after the city region has already seen significant growth, Greater Manchester is expected to continue growing in population. Previous estimates by Manchester City Council projected Manchester’s population alone will surpass 635,000 by 2025 with an extra 100,000 people expected to be living in the city centre.

A large population of young people are moving to Greater Manchester as millennials are flocking to the thriving city region. In 2020, data from the ONS revealed it was home to more 25 to 29-year olds than any other UK region.

On top of that, more and more London-based people and businesses in particular have been moving to the area, and this is expected to continue in the coming years as well. Greater Manchester has become not only the fastest growing city region in the North West but also has firmly cemented itself as the Northern Powerhouse. 

Ever-increasing liveability 

The Economist recently released its latest Global Liveability Index of the most liveable cities in the world, and Manchester was named the most liveable city in the UK. The city rose a whopping 26 places in this year’s rankings to be the 28th most liveable city in the world and even came in five spaces above London.

In recent years, more and more people are moving to Manchester for its increased liveability. Its excellence in leisure and retail throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and its strong recovery were highlighted in the liveability index.

With its ever-increasing quality of life, Greater Manchester is expected to see even more people wanting to live, work and invest there. And with additional growth forecast for the future, it will continue being such an exciting city to be a part of.

If you’re interested in buying property in the thriving area of Greater Manchester, please get in touch with our local team of expert advisors.