Dorset Council area has a lower birth rate than Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), and England and Wales, but a higher death rate. This means that without migration into the area, the population would decline.

It has a smaller than average under 5's population but a higher than average population of over 65's. This means there is increasing pressure on adult and care services.

Projected growth shows that the over 65 population will grow by nearly 50% over the next 25 years. This means increasing pressure on services.

Census maps: 29 November 2022

Interactive map tool that visualises Census 2021 data on different topics down to a local authority area and neighbourhood level.

This update will add population data about UK armed forces veterans, ethnic group, national identity, language, and religion from Census 2021 in England and Wales. This tool will be updated as more Census data are released.

How life has changed in Dorset: Census 2021

Key facts for Dorset
Key facts Key figure
Latest population of Dorset Council area 379,578
Latest population of all Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 779,770
Latest population of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 400,192 
Total number of households in Dorset Council area - 2021 census  169,261
Population, birth and death statistics
Population, birth and death statistics Dorset Council Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole England and Wales
2020 birth rate per 1,000 6.9 9.1 10.3
2020 death rate per 1,000 13.1 11.7 10.2
Percentage 0 to 4yr olds 4.0 4.7 5.4
Percentage 5 to 15yr olds 11.2 11.6 13.1
Percentage 16 to 64yr olds 55.2 62.1 62.9
Percentage of the population 65+ yrs olds 29.6 21.6 18.6

Percentage (projected) growth in total population over next 25 years

8.4 12.0

11.7

Source: Census 2021 

 

Contact us

Business Intelligence and Performance Team

Name: Business Intelligence and Performance Team
Email: biandprequest@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Full contact details