The rate of increase is similar to the previous two years and represents the second largest annual numerical increase in over 75 years. Although the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated that net international migration was lower in the year to mid-2024 compared with the previous year, it continued to contribute most to population growth.

“The population of England and Wales has increased each year since mid-1982. The rate of population increase has been higher in recent years, and the rise seen in the year to mid-2024 represents the second largest annual increase in numerical terms in over 75 years. Net international migration continues to be the main driver of this growth, continuing the long-term trend seen since the turn of the century,” said Nigel Henretty of the ONS.

The number of people immigrating to England and Wales from outside the UK decreased compared with the previous year. Overall, net international migration also declined but continues to remain high compared with historical levels.

There was a decrease in the number of births and deaths in the year to mid-2024, compared with the previous year.
ONS estimates indicate that there were 596,000 births, a decrease of 2,400 compared with mid-2023 (and the lowest since mid-2002) and that there were 566,000 deaths, a decrease of 32,000 compared with mid-2023 and the lowest since mid-2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Natural change, the difference between births and deaths, contributed an increase of 30,000.

The highest rates of population growth were City of London (11.1%), Oadby and Wigston (3.1%), and Preston (2.9%). The greatest rates of population decrease were Isles of Scilly (-2.8%), Kensington and Chelsea (-1.4%) and Lambeth (-0.6%).