Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and is located in the south-east of the country. It is the largest city in Wales and the eleventh-largest city in the United Kingdom. As of 2021, the estimated population of Cardiff is 364,248.
The population of Cardiff has grown significantly over the years, with the city experiencing a population increase of over 20% between 2001 and 2021. This growth can be attributed to a number of factors, including the city's strong economy, cultural attractions, and excellent transport links. As a result, Cardiff has become a popular destination for both tourists and those looking to relocate to the area.
Current Population of Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and one of the most populous cities in the United Kingdom. As of mid-2021, the estimated population of Cardiff is 375,100, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The population of Cardiff has been steadily increasing over the years, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1% between 2011 and 2020. This growth is largely attributed to migration, both from within the UK and from other countries.
The following table shows the estimated population of Cardiff over the past decade:
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 346,100 |
| 2012 | 352,000 |
| 2013 | 357,800 |
| 2014 | 363,700 |
| 2015 | 369,600 |
| 2016 | 375,500 |
| 2017 | 381,400 |
| 2018 | 387,300 |
| 2019 | 393,200 |
| 2020 | 399,100 |
It is worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on population growth in Cardiff and the rest of the UK. The ONS has reported a decrease in international migration and a slowdown in population growth in some areas.
In terms of demographics, Cardiff has a relatively young population, with a median age of 32.7 years. The city is also known for its cultural diversity, with a significant proportion of the population being of non-White British ethnicity.
Overall, the current population of Cardiff is a diverse and growing community, reflecting the city's status as a vibrant and dynamic capital city.
Historical Population Growth
Cardiff has a rich history of population growth, with the city's population increasing steadily over the years. The following table shows the population of Cardiff from 1801 to 2021:
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1801 | 6,870 |
| 1851 | 32,954 |
| 1901 | 164,333 |
| 1951 | 274,407 |
| 2001 | 305,353 |
| 2021 | 366,903 |
As the table shows, the population of Cardiff has grown significantly over the past two centuries. In 1801, the population of the city was just 6,870. By 1851, this had increased to 32,954, and by 1901, the population had reached 164,333.
The population continued to grow rapidly in the 20th century, with the number of residents reaching 274,407 in 1951. The growth rate slowed down somewhat in the latter half of the century, with the population reaching 305,353 in 2001.
The most recent census data, from 2021, shows that the population of Cardiff has continued to grow, with an estimated 366,903 residents now living in the city. This growth can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the city's strong economy, excellent transport links, and high quality of life.
Population Density
Cardiff is a densely populated city, with a population density of 2,234 people per square kilometre. This is significantly higher than the national average population density of Wales, which is 150 people per square kilometre.
The population density of Cardiff varies across the city, with some areas being more densely populated than others. For example, the city centre has a population density of over 10,000 people per square kilometre, while some of the more suburban areas have a population density of less than 1,000 people per square kilometre.
The table below shows the population density of each of the electoral wards in Cardiff:
| Electoral Ward | Population Density (people per sq km) |
|---|---|
| Adamsdown | 12,317 |
| Butetown | 12,301 |
| Cathays | 11,721 |
| Gabalfa | 6,728 |
| Grangetown | 11,764 |
| Heath | 5,762 |
| Llandaff North | 3,686 |
| Llanishen | 3,798 |
| Pentwyn | 2,113 |
| Roath | 11,655 |
| Rumney | 2,778 |
| Splott | 11,448 |
| Whitchurch | 2,852 |
It is worth noting that the population density figures for each electoral ward are based on 2011 census data, and may have changed slightly since then. However, they do provide a good indication of the varying levels of population density across the city.
Age Demographics
Cardiff has a diverse population in terms of age, with a mix of young and older residents. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, the estimated population of Cardiff in mid-2021 was 368,021.
Young Population
The city has a relatively high proportion of young people, with around 23% of the population aged under 19. This is higher than the average for Wales as a whole, which stands at 21%.
Working Age Population
The majority of the population in Cardiff falls within the working age bracket of 20-64 years old. This group accounts for around 60% of the population. The city has a higher proportion of working age residents than the rest of Wales, where the figure is around 57%.
Older Population
Around 17% of Cardiff's population is aged 65 and over. This is slightly lower than the average for Wales, which stands at around 19%. However, this figure is expected to rise in the coming years as the population continues to age.
In summary, Cardiff has a relatively young population with a high proportion of working age residents. The city also has a growing older population, which is in line with national trends.
Ethnicity Breakdown
Cardiff is a diverse city with a population of over 350,000 people. According to the 2021 census data, the ethnic makeup of Cardiff is as follows:
- White British: 65.5%
- Asian/Asian British: 9.2%
- Black/African/Caribbean/Black British: 3.9%
- Mixed/multiple ethnic groups: 2.8%
- Other ethnic group: 1.1%
- Chinese: 0.9%
- Not stated: 16.6%
It's worth noting that the "Not stated" category includes those who did not provide information on their ethnicity in the census.
The largest ethnic group in Cardiff is White British, accounting for almost two-thirds of the population. The Asian/Asian British community is the second-largest, making up just over 9% of the population. The Black/African/Caribbean/Black British community is the third-largest, with just under 4% of the population.
Cardiff is also home to smaller ethnic communities, such as Chinese and other ethnic groups. These communities contribute to the cultural diversity of the city and add to the rich tapestry of Cardiff's history and heritage.
Household Statistics
Cardiff has a population of over 360,000 people, and a significant proportion of these individuals live in households. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 149,700 households in Cardiff in 2021. This represents an increase of 5.6% compared to the number of households in 2011.
The average household size in Cardiff is 2.31 people. This is lower than the average household size for Wales as a whole, which is 2.38 people. The majority of households in Cardiff are made up of one or two people, with 66.6% of households falling into this category. However, there are also a significant number of larger households, with 11.2% of households in Cardiff containing five or more people.
In terms of housing tenure, the majority of households in Cardiff (63.7%) are owner-occupied, while 18.6% are rented from private landlords and 16.4% are rented from social landlords. The proportion of households that are owner-occupied is higher in Cardiff than in Wales as a whole, where 60.9% of households are owner-occupied.
Overall, the household statistics for Cardiff paint a picture of a diverse and growing population, with a range of different household sizes and tenures.
Comparison With Other UK Cities
Cardiff is the eleventh largest city in the United Kingdom, with a population of approximately 360,000 people. While it may not be as populous as cities like London or Manchester, it still holds its own when compared to other UK cities.
In terms of population, Cardiff is larger than cities such as Bristol, Leicester, and Coventry. However, it falls short when compared to other major cities like Birmingham, Glasgow, and Sheffield.
When it comes to economic growth, Cardiff has been making strides in recent years. It has been named one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, with a GDP growth rate of 4.3% in 2019. This is higher than the national average of 1.4%.
Cardiff is also home to a number of prestigious universities, including Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University. These institutions attract students from all over the world, contributing to the city's diversity and cultural richness.
Overall, while Cardiff may not be the largest city in the UK, it still holds its own in terms of population, economic growth, and cultural significance.
Population Projections
According to the Office for National Statistics, Cardiff's population is projected to increase from 366,903 in 2019 to 399,300 by 2043, an increase of 8.8%.
The population is expected to grow at a slower rate than the rest of Wales, which is projected to increase by 10.6% over the same period.
The age structure of the population is also expected to change, with the proportion of the population aged 65 and over projected to increase from 17.1% in 2019 to 22.5% by 2043. The proportion of the population aged under 16 is projected to decrease from 19.6% in 2019 to 17.3% by 2043.
The table below shows the projected population of Cardiff by age group:
| Age Group | 2019 Population | 2043 Population |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 | 71,981 | 69,040 |
| 16-24 | 50,920 | 49,930 |
| 25-34 | 71,964 | 78,400 |
| 35-49 | 99,005 | 106,500 |
| 50-64 | 59,033 | 70,700 |
| 65+ | 14,000 | 25,700 |
The projections suggest that the population of Cardiff will continue to grow and age over the next two decades. This has implications for the provision of services, such as healthcare and social care, as well as for housing and transport.
Impact of Population Growth
Cardiff has seen a significant increase in population over the past few decades. As of 2021, the population of Cardiff was estimated to be around 375,000, making it the largest city in Wales and the eleventh largest in the United Kingdom. The city's population has grown by 20% since 1991, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years.
The impact of population growth on Cardiff has been significant. Here are some of the key factors:
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Housing: The demand for housing has increased as the population has grown, leading to a shortage of affordable housing. This has resulted in rising house prices and a decrease in the availability of social housing.
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Traffic: The increase in population has led to an increase in traffic congestion, particularly during rush hour. This has led to longer commuting times and increased air pollution.
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Services: The demand for services such as healthcare, education, and public transport has increased as the population has grown. This has put pressure on existing services, leading to longer waiting times and overcrowding.
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Economy: The increase in population has led to an increase in economic activity, with more businesses opening and more jobs being created. However, this has also led to increased competition for jobs and a decrease in wages in some sectors.
Overall, the impact of population growth on Cardiff has been mixed. While it has led to economic growth, it has also put pressure on existing infrastructure and services. As the population continues to grow, it will be important for the city to invest in new infrastructure and services to ensure that it remains a desirable place to live and work.