Wales Population 2024

According to the Office for Nations Statistics (ONS), the Current Population of Wales (United Kingdom) is approximately 3.13 million as of 14 March 2024, with an average growth rate of 0.59%.

This figure might leave you wondering how much that population will change in a few years. The question leads us to explore Wales’s projected population growth for 2024.

Interesting facts about Wales 

Did you know….?

• There are four times the amount of sheep than there are people in Wales.
• Marconi (who invented the radio) did his first radio testing in Wales in 1897 on 11th
• Wales has the most castles in one country than any other.
• K, Q, V and Z are letters not seen in Welsh.
• Cardiff City Football team is the only non-English club to win the FA Cup (in 1927).
• Cardiff holds the oldest record shop in the world, opening in 1894. It’s called Spillers.
• Many successful and famous people come from Wales, from sports stars to pop stars. They include Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Christian Bale, Gareth Bale, Roald Dahl, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ryan Giggs, and many more.
• Only 10% of people in Cardiff speak Welsh.
• Roald Dahl was christened in the Norwegian church in Cardiff Bay. He lived in a Tudor house opposite the Llandaff Cathedral School and read his stories to the children there.
• The world’s first 1 million pound cheque was written in the Cardiff Coal Exchange.
• Sophia Gardens was Cardiff’s first park, opened by the Bute family in 1858.

Source: Host.com

Wales Population Density

According to ONS, Wales’s population density is very low compared to England. On average, Wales’s population is 150 people per square kilometre (290 per square mile). Wales’s population density offers an exciting insight into how people are distributed nationwide.

Unlike the more densely populated regions of the UK, such as England’s southeast, Wales enjoys a relatively low population density that allows for an abundance of open green spaces, contributing significantly to the region’s quality of life. This unique aspect of living in Wales fosters a close-knit community feel, even in its larger cities.

Top 10 largest cities and towns in Wales

When looking at the most significant cities and towns, Cardiff takes the lead, not just as the capital city but as Wales’s cultural and economic hub. Following Cardiff, cities and towns such as Swansea, Newport, and Wrexham are significant, each with unique characteristics and contributions to Welsh life.

These urban centers are crucial for understanding the dynamics of Wales’s population distribution and the varying lifestyles within the country.

Source: Wikipedia

Wales Population by Ethnicity or Race

As of 2024, the top five races for people living in England are White(93.8%), Black(0.9%), Asian(2.9%), Mixed(1.6%), and another ethnic group (0.9%).

• the “Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh” ethnic groups was 2.9% (89,000)
• “Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African” was 0.9% (28,000)
• “Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups” was 1.6% (49,000)
• “White” ethnic groups were 93.8% (2.9 million)
• “Other ethnic groups” was 0.9% (26,000)

Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS)

Closely related to race, Wales’s ethnic composition is becoming increasingly diverse. While the majority identify as Welsh, there’s a growing presence of other ethnic groups, including Asian, Black, and Mixed ethnicities, each adding to the mosaic of Welsh society. Though not as pronounced as in some parts of the UK, this diversity signals a move towards a more inclusive and multicultural society.

Wales Population by Religion

As of 2024 and according to National census figures (Wales), Christianity is the largest religion in England, with 43.6% of the population. Muslim population with 2.2%, 1.7% Hindus, 0.1% Sikhs, 0.1% percent as Jewish, and 0.3% as Buddhist.

Like much of the UK, Wales’s religion is diverse, with Christianity being the most widely professed faith. However, over the years, there’s been a noticeable shift toward a more secular society, with more individuals identifying with no religion.

This transition mirrors the broader trend of secularization in Western societies but also highlights Wales’s growing multicultural fabric, which accommodates a variety of religions and beliefs.

Wales Population by Age

The age distribution of Wales’s population highlights several key trends. An aging population raises questions about healthcare, pensions, and the economy, necessitating careful planning and policy-making. Conversely, while more minor in proportion, the youth population is vital for the country’s future, driving attention toward education, employment opportunities, and social services tailored to younger generations.

• In mid-2022, people aged 65 years or older were estimated to account for just over a fifth (21.5%, or 674,000 people) of the total population in Wales.
• 9% of the population was aged 16 to 64 mid-2022 (around 1,909,000).
• In mid-2022, children and young people aged 0 to 15 accounted for the remaining 17.5% of the population (549,000 children and young people).

(Source by Wales National Census)

Wales Population by Year

Tracing Wales’s population year by year reveals fascinating growth, decline, and stabilization trends. Factors influencing these trends include birth rates, mortality rates, and migration patterns, each weaving into the complex story of Wales’s demographic evolution. Analyzing these trends offers valuable insights into the future, aiding in everything from urban planning to environmental conservation.

Source: Wikipedia (Wales Demography)