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Population Topic Data

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Population projections and changes in Dorset’s demographic profile support planning by indicating how service demands and provision, housing demand, and business needs may evolve. Population change is influenced by natural change (births and deaths) and by migration into and out of the area.

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Population change in Dorset

The birth rate in Dorset is projected to fall from 6.6 per 1,000 population in 2025 to 6.1 per 1,000 population in ten years' time. Total number of births in the year 2024/25 were 2,660, total deaths were 4,877. Due to the net decline in natural change (births minus deaths), population growth is driven by migration into the area. The graph below shows the contribution that net migration makes to population growth. Net migration in the year 2023-2024 was 5,100. Mostly internal migration.

Birth and death rates
Birth and death rates
Dorset Council change in population over time
Dorset Council change in population over time

The figure above shows the components of change for each year. Note: from 2022 onwards, figures are projected.

Over the period 2011-2021, Dorset’s population grew by 14,400, a growth of 4% compared with 7% nationally. Over the period 2025 to 2035, the population is projected to grow by another 5% which is the same as the national population.

Age breakdown of population

  • Between 2013 and 2023, Dorset’s 65+ population grew by 19,800 (20%) and is projected to rise by 28,400 (24%) by 2033. Its share of the total population is increasing—from 26% in 2013 to 30% in 2023, and an estimated 36% by 2033.
  • Dorset’s working-age population (16–64) has remained almost static—down 1,400 between 2013 and 2023, and projected to rise by just 700 by 2033. Meanwhile, the 0–15 age group is expected to fall by 9,200 over the same period.
  • The population pyramid remains top-heavy and has changed little over the past decade, with further expansion projected by 2034 (grey bars) compared to 2024 (coloured bars).
  • The aging of early-1960s baby boomers creates a bulge between ages 55–74, amplified by high net internal migration among 60–69-year-olds.
  • Out-migration of young adults is also evident. From age 85+, the chart groups more than five years, making the pyramid appear wider at the top.
Dorset Council population 2024 to 2034
Dorset Council population 2024 to 2034

Census 2021

  • Much of our data and therefore, how we understand the experiences and issues affecting people in Dorset, comes from the Census.
  • The Census is carried out every 10 years and Census Day was on 21st March 2021.
  • As the Census only happens every 10 years, there is likely to be considerable change in our understanding of the population.
  • Census 2021 reflected shifting language and will help with our understanding of marginalised communities, for example asking about Armed Forces service, sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • The Census is vital for understanding communities and directing funding where it’s needed. Organisations use Census data to plan, predict, and develop services based on population characteristics.

Headline Figures

5.1%

Projected population change 2025-2035

389,950

Total population in 2024

27,700

Increase in +65 2025-2035

2.3% per year

+65 projected population change 2025-2035

6,540

Decrease in 0-15yrs 2025-2035

Headline Figures

5.1%

Projected population change 2025-2035

389,950

Total population in 2024

27,700

Increase in +65 2025-2035

2.3% per year

+65 projected population change 2025-2035

6,540

Decrease in 0-15yrs 2025-2035

Sources

  • 2024 Mid-year estimates, Office for National Statistics
  • 2021 Components of Population Change, Office for National Statistics
  • 2022 based Dorset Council Continuity projections, Experimental, Dorset Council

41 Reports

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22 Related Datasets

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  • NINO Registrations 2021

    Published: 18 July 2022

    This dataset includes total NINO registrations 2002 to 2021 as well as the most common country of origin in 2021.

    Downloads: 615

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  • 2020 Mid-Year Estimates, Unitary Authority, Historical District and above

    Published: 27 July 2021

    Annual Mid-Year Estimates produced by the Office for National Statistics

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  • 2019 Ward Level Population Estimates

    Published: 23 December 2020

    2019 Office for National Statistics Experimental Population Estimates for Dorset wards

    Downloads: 1551

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  • National Insurance Registrations to overseas Nationals 2019-20

    Published: 09 December 2020

    National Insurance Registrations to overseas Nationals 2019-20

    Downloads: 1194

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  • Births Deaths and Natural Change by Country and Local Authority

    Published: 08 December 2020

    Local Authority births, deaths and natural change from Mid-Years 2002 to 2019

    Downloads: 1065

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  • Internal Migration for Mid-Years 2002-2019

    Published: 08 December 2020

    Internal Migration by 5 year age group for Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council

    Downloads: 1142

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  • International Migration for Mid-Years 2002-2019

    Published: 08 December 2020

    International Migration by 5 year age group for Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council

    Downloads: 1014

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  • Life Expectancy at birth and age 65, 2019

    Published: 07 December 2020

    Life expectancy at birth and age 65 by sex for Local Authority geography and above.

    Downloads: 926

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  • ONS Sexual Orientation Data at LA Geography (experimental dataset)

    Published: 27 November 2020

    Office for National Statistics experimental data on sexual orientation at LA Geography 2016-2018

    Downloads: 877

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  • Data for EqIAs (diversity data)

    Published: 14 November 2020

    Various diversity data for Dorset with national comparators. For assistance in completing Equality Impact Assessments (EqIAs).

    Downloads: 1232

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  • 2018 based Household Projections

    Published: 20 July 2020

    Office for National Statistics 2018 based Household Projections for Dorset

    Downloads: 2030

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  • 2018 based ONS Population Projections for Dorset

    Published: 07 July 2020

    2018 based Office for National Statistics Sub National Population Projections for current and former Dorset geographies in five year age groups.

    Downloads: 1595

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  • 2018 Parish Level Mid Year Population Estimates

    Published: 23 March 2020

    2018 best fit Output Area population to parish geography for all persons by five year age groups.

    Downloads: 1356

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  • Indices of Deprivation 2019- National and Dorset Council Ranks

    Published: 03 January 2020

    The English Indices of Deprivation helps identify and prioritise areas to assist the government and other agencies both national and local in narrowing the gap between deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of the country.

    Downloads: 2689

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  • Indices of Deprivation 2019 - Dorset East Sub Unitary Geography (SUG) Maps

    Published: 11 December 2019

    This pdf illustrates national deprivation levels at a small geography across Dorset East SUG area for 2019. There are sixteen maps which look at a range of components of deprivation including health, income, employment, education and skills, living environment, crime and barriers to housing and services. There is also a multiple deprivation map that combines all these aspects of deprivation to give us an overall picture. The document also has a number of maps that look at specific aspects (sub domains) such as deprivation affecting children and outdoor living environment.

    Downloads: 1726

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  • Indices of Deprivation 2019 - Dorset West Sub Unitary Geography (SUG) Maps

    Published: 11 December 2019

    This pdf illustrates national deprivation levels at a small geography across Dorset West SUG area for 2019. There are sixteen maps which look at a range of components of deprivation including health, income, employment, education and skills, living environment, crime and barriers to housing and services. There is also a multiple deprivation map that combines all these aspects of deprivation to give us an overall picture. The document also has a number of maps that look at specific aspects (sub domains) such as deprivation affecting children and outdoor living environment.

    Downloads: 2287

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  • Indices of Deprivation 2019 - Mid Dorset Sub Unitary Geography (SUG) Maps

    Published: 11 December 2019

    This pdf illustrates national deprivation levels at a small geography across Mid Dorset SUG area for 2019. There are sixteen maps which look at a range of components of deprivation including health, income, employment, education and skills, living environment, crime and barriers to housing and services. There is also a multiple deprivation map that combines all these aspects of deprivation to give us an overall picture. The document also has a number of maps that look at specific aspects (sub domains) such as deprivation affecting children and outdoor living environment.

    Downloads: 1884

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  • Indices of Deprivation 2019 - South East Dorset Sub Unitary Geography (SUG) Maps

    Published: 11 December 2019

    This pdf illustrates national deprivation levels at a small geography across South East Dorset SUG area for 2019. There are sixteen maps which look at a range of components of deprivation including health, income, employment, education and skills, living environment, crime and barriers to housing and services. There is also a multiple deprivation map that combines all these aspects of deprivation to give us an overall picture. The document also has a number of maps that look at specific aspects (sub domains) such as deprivation affecting children and outdoor living environment.

    Downloads: 2318

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  • Indices of Deprivation 2019 - Dorset North Sub Unitary Geography (SUG) Maps

    Published: 11 December 2019

    This pdf illustrates national deprivation levels at a small geography across Dorset North SUG area for 2019. There are sixteen maps which look at a range of components of deprivation including health, income, employment, education and skills, living environment, crime and barriers to housing and services. There is also a multiple deprivation map that combines all these aspects of deprivation to give us an overall picture. The document also has a number of maps that look at specific aspects (sub domains) such as deprivation affecting children and outdoor living environment.

    Downloads: 2059

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  • Indices of Deprivation 2019 - Dorset South Sub Unitary Geography (SUG) Maps

    Published: 11 December 2019

    This pdf illustrates national deprivation levels at a small geography across Dorset South SUG area for 2019. There are sixteen maps which look at a range of components of deprivation including health, income, employment, education and skills, living environment, crime and barriers to housing and services. There is also a multiple deprivation map that combines all these aspects of deprivation to give us an overall picture. The document also has a number of maps that look at specific aspects (sub domains) such as deprivation affecting children and outdoor living environment.

    Downloads: 1596

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  • Indices of Deprivation 2019 - Dorset Council Maps

    Published: 25 November 2019

    The combined map base pdf illustrates national deprivation levels at a small geography across Dorset for 2019. There are sixteen maps which look at a range of components of deprivation including health, income, employment, education and skills, living environment, crime and barriers to housing and services. There is also a multiple deprivation (IMD) map that combines all these aspects of deprivation to give us an overall picture for Dorset. The document also has a number of maps that look at specific aspects (sub domains) such as deprivation affecting children and outdoor living environment.

    Downloads: 1326

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  • Ethnicity

    Published: 01 January 2011

    Broad and detailed ethnic population data at District level and above

    Downloads: 2029

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