Birmingham City Population 2025
The city of Birmingham in the UK is projected to have an approximate population of 2.7 million people for the Birmingham Urban Area, based on the 2021 consensus, which reported a population of 1,144,900 according to the Birmingham City Council.
Key facts about Birmingham City
- According to the 2021 consensus, Birmingham is the second-largest city in the UK by population, trailing behind London.
- It is the city with the largest Muslim population in the UK.
- Birmingham chemist Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen in 1774.
- It is the most diverse city in England, with 51.4% of the residents from the BAME group.
Population Trend
Birmingham was once a small town without access to river transport, which held it back in terms of growth. In 1750, the population was just 24,000, but by 1775 it had almost doubled to 40,000, making it the 3rd largest town in the UK.
The city expanded in growth between 1911 and 1921, with a staggering growth rate of 74.9% in just a decade. The number of residents jumped from 525,833 to a massive 919,333. Since then, Birmingham’s population has been fluctuating.
The city crossed its first one million population mark in 1931 when the census revealed a population of 1,002,603.
Population density
Birmingham is a metropolitan city located in the West Midlands in the western region of England. It covers over 267.8 square kilometres, with a population density of 4,275/km² based on the 2021 census. It is a high-density city because it is one of the key urban hubs in the UK.
The high population density is the result of its industrial history, which attracted workers and promoted immigration. It is also a highly diverse place, creating community and increasing population growth.
Population by age
The population of Birmingham consists of a youthful demographic compared to other cities. A large majority of people fall in their twenties. Second to the people aged 65+. With a median age of 34, which is lower than the national average of 40.
The majority of the population of Birmingham City consists of people between 20 and 24, making 8.1% of the total population.
The working class: 65% of the total population consists of the working class.
Number of males and females as per age group: (Birmingham City Council)
| Age Group | Male | Female |
| Under 19 | 165,650 | 160,145 |
| 20 to 24 | 45,425 | 47,818 |
| 25 to 29 | 40,350 | 42,243 |
| 30 to 34 | 40,418 | 44,248 |
| 35 to 39 | 38,411 | 42,217 |
| 40 to 44 | 35,853 | 38,144 |
| 45 to 49 | 34,067 | 33,987 |
| 50 to 54 | 35,082 | 34,872 |
| 55 to 59 | 30,788 | 31,879 |
| 60 to 64 | 26,332 | 26,308 |
| 65 to 69 | 20,918 | 21,666 |
| 70 to 74 | 17,496 | 19,851 |
| 74 to 79 | 12,910 | 15,164 |
| 80 to 84 | 8,964 | 11,995 |
| 85 and over | 7,758 | 13,766 |
Population by gender
Birmingham City has a balanced sex ratio, with women being in the slight majority. Women make up 51.05% of the population with approximately 584,501 residents, while men 48.95% with 560,422 residents. (Birmingham City Council)
This is a common theme across the UK, with women having a higher life expectancy. The gender ratio is balanced across all age demographics except the 65+ bracket, where women takes lead because of higher life expectancy.
Population trend based on ethnicity
| Ethnicity | Population based on 2021 consensus |
| White | 556,360 (48.6%) |
| Asian | 355,386 (31.0%) |
| Black | 125,741 (11.0%) |
| Other Groups | 51,957 (4.5%) |
| Mixed ethnic groups | 55,237 (4.8%) |
While the majority of the population still consists of white people (48%), Birmingham has become the most diverse city in the UK.
It has shown a decrease over the last decade, which came from 57.9% to 48%. The Asian population has seen a steady increase from 26.6% to 31%. (Birmingham City Council)
A large 31% of residents are either Asian British, Asian Welsh, or simply Asian. This is the largest ethnic minority group in the city, and it also has the biggest percentage-point increase of 4.4% from 2011 to 2021.
The Asian population is largely composed of Pakistani (18.4%), Indian (6.1%), Bangladeshi (3.3%), Chinese (0.9%), and other Asian communities (ONS)
As a majority of the city’s residents are 51.4% consists of the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) group, with Asians (31%) being the largest minority in Birmingham.
Birmingham Population by Religion
In the city, a majority of people still practice Christianity, being 34%, and the number of people following Islam has also increased significantly. Birmingham has now become the city with the most Muslims in England.
The Muslim population of Birmingham has seen the largest increase from other religious groups, significantly from 234,411 in 2011 to 341,885 in 2021. (Birmingham City Council)
| Religion | Population |
| Christian | 389,416 |
| Muslim | 341,885 |
| No religion (Atheist) | 276,308 |
| Not preferred to answer | 69,842 |
| Sikh | 33,042 |
| Hindu | 21,976 |
| Buddhism | 4,327 |
| Other Religion | 6,372 |
Birmingham’s Economy
Greater Birmingham has contributed an estimated £60.78 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy in 2022, which accounts for 2.7% of the nation’s total GVA. Birmingham’s contribution to the national economic stage is undeniable. (Birmingham Economic Review)
Birmingham’s city region economy has seen 9.7% growth between 2021 and 2022 and 11.6% since 2019, despite the global pandemic. It demonstrates the city’s economic resilience.
City’s service sector employs 88% of the working population. Employment has remained relatively stable, and the city has consistently generated new jobs and business opportunities.
What is Birmingham city famous for?
Industrial Heritage: Birmingham City played a major role in the Industrial Revolution. By 1792, it was already being called “The first manufacturing town in the world“. Its popularity was a result of various types of things produced in the city, from guns to buttons to jewellery.
The Gun Quarter: It was the main hub in the world for gun manufacturing, from the English Civil War to the Second World War. Guns produced here were used all over the world, by 1918 Brimingham had made over 15,000 Lewis Machine Guns for the war efforts
The Balti Curry: Birmingham is the birthplace of Balti Curry. It was originally served in a special wok-like bowl in the mid-1970s. The Original Balti Triangle is still a must-visit for curry lovers from everywhere
FAQ about Birmingham City:
What is the nickname for Birmingham City?
Birmingham City has many nicknames, the most famous of which is “Brum”. It is a shortened and affectionate term for the old local name “Brummagem”. The other nicknames include “The city of a thousand trades” and “Workshop of the world”.
Is Birmingham expensive to live in?
The City of Birmingham can be considered affordable in comparison to other cities in England, with the estimated monthly cost for a person ranging from £800 to £1,300 per month.
What percentage of Birmingham is white?
48.6% of the population of Birmingham City is white, which is 556,360 residents.
Why do tourists go to Birmingham?
Most tourists visit Birmingham for their diverse culture and vibrant city vibes. This city has a famous Balti Triangle, world-class shopping, and major music venues.
