General description

This dataset provides the percentage of the population in Wales in each of several broad age bands since Census 1871 by sex. Data for individual local authorities are also included from 2001 onwards.

It should be noted that for mid-2020 there are some definitional changes (particularly affecting the migration components) compared with mid-2019 population estimates data, and it is advised users read the Quality and Methodology Information section on the Office for National Statistics website.

For Wales, the mid-2021 population estimates are the first population estimates to be based on Census 2021.

Internal migration estimates for mid-2023 have been produced using a different method to previous years, following a change to the variables available in the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data.

This material is Crown Copyright and may be re-used (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence.

Data collection and calculation

See weblinks

Frequency of publication

Annual

Data reference periods

Estimates from 2001 relate to 30 June of each year, while estimates for earlier years (1871 - 2001 censuses) relate to the census date in that year (March or April).

Users, uses and context

The data presented here are used to understand the changing age structure of the Welsh population over the short-term and longer term. Since 2001, data are included for Welsh local authorities as well as Wales, allowing short-term change in age structure to be analysed for each local authority.

Rounding applied

Data are rounded to the nearest 0.1 of a percentage point and as a result may not total 100% when added over all age groups. The unrounded data behind the estimates for 2001 onwards can be found in the estimates folder in the same part of the StatsWales catalogue.

Revisions information

The data presented here reflect changes made to population estimates from 2001 to 2010 in re-basing the data to be consistent with the results of Census 2011 (see weblinks).

Mid-2012 to mid-2016 subnational population estimates for Wales and England were revised on the 22 March 2018, following methodological improvements (see weblinks).

On 23 November 2023, the data set from 2012 to 2020 for Wales and England was rebased to be consistent with the results of Census 2021.

On 15 July 2024 estimates for mid-2022 were revised by the ONS to account for updated estimates of international migration for Wales and England.

Title

Population distribution by broad age bands (1871 onwards), by Welsh local authorities and sex

Last update

July 2024 July 2024

Next update

Summer 2025

Publishing organisation

Welsh Government

Source 1

Mid-year population estimates, Office for National Statistics

Source 2

1871 Census, 1901 Census, 1931 Census, 1961-2001 Censuses

Contact email

stats.popcensus@gov.wales

Designation

National Statistics

Lowest level of geographical disaggregation

Local authorities

Geographical coverage

Wales

Languages covered

English and Welsh

Data licensing

You may use and re-use this data free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government License - see http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence

Keywords

Population Wales; age distribution

Statistical quality

See weblinks

Weblinks

https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/methodologies/midyearpopulationestimatesqmi

https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/bulletins/annualmidyearpopulationestimates/latest

Name

POPU1003