Census 2021

Census 2021

The ONS have published the next phase of Census 2021 outputs for England and Wales (see the high level summary below). As with previous releases interactive Census Maps are available on the ONS website to visualise and explore Census 2021 data for different topics down to a local authority and neighbourhood level.

High Level Summary

  1. Population and households estimates main points (click to learn more)
  2. Household and resident characteristics main points (click to learn more)
  3. International migration main points (click to learn more)
  4. Disability main points (click to learn more)
  5. Unpaid Care main points (click to learn more)
  6. General Health main points (click to learn more)
  7. National identity main points (click to learn more)
  8. Religion main points (click to learn more)
  9. Language main points (click to learn more)
  10. Ethnic Group main points (click to learn more)
  11. Employment in LAs main points (click to learn more)
  12. People with second addresses (click to learn more)
  13. Housing (click to learn more)
  14. Communal Establishment (click to learn more)
  15. Gender Identity (click to learn more)
  16. Sexual Orientation (click to learn more)
  17. Economic activity status (click to learn more)
  18. Travel to work (click to learn more)
  19. Industry and occupation (click to learn more)

1. Population and households estimates main points:

Census 2021 rounded population and household estimates for local authorities in England and Wales were released on 28 June 2022. The bulletin explored change over time, regional variations and the composition of the population by sex and by five-year age group.

  • This update provides unrounded population and household estimates, by sex and single year of age. The accompanying data are provided at even more detailed geographies, down to Output Areas where possible.
  • On Census Day, 21 March 2021, the size of the usual resident population in England and Wales was 59,597,542 (56,490,048 in England and 3,107,494 in Wales); this was the largest population ever recorded through a census in England and Wales.
    • The size of the usual resident population in Bedford Borough was 185,228.
  • The population of England and Wales grew by more than 3.5 million (6.3%) since the last census in 2011, when it was 56,075,912.
    • The population of Bedford Borough grew by 27,749 (17.6%) since the last census in 2011, when it was 157,479.
  • The population grew in each of the nine regions of England and also grew in Wales; the region with the highest population growth was the East of England, which increased by 8.3% from 2011 (a gain of approximately 488,000 residents).
  • There were 30,420,202 women (51.0% of the population) and 29,177,340 men (49.0%) in England and Wales.
    • There were 94,101 women (50.8% of the population) and 91,124 men (49.2%) in Bedford Borough.
  • There were 24,783,199 households in England and Wales on Census Day; the number of households increased by more than 1.4 million since 2011 (6.1%), when there were 23,366,044 households.
    • There were 74,950 households in Bedford Borough on Census Day; the number of households increased by 11,138 since 2011 (17.5%), when there were 63,812 households.
  • The median age in England and Wales was 40 years (40 years in England, 42 years in Wales); this is higher than the median age of 39 years across England and Wales in 2011.
    • The median age in Bedford Borough was 38 years; this is lower than the median age of 39 years in 2011 in Bedford Borough.
  • The region of England with the highest median age was the South West (44 years) and the region of England with the lowest median age was London (35 years).
  • Across England and Wales, the local authorities with the highest median age were North Norfolk (54 years), Rother (53 years) and East Lindsey (52 years).
  • The local authority with the lowest median age was Tower Hamlets (30 years), followed by Nottingham, Cambridge, Oxford and Manchester (all 31 years).
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2. Household and resident characteristics main points:

  • In 2021, there were 24.8 million households in England and Wales, up 6.1% from 23.4 million in 2011.
    • There were 74,950 households in Bedford Borough in 2021; the number of households increased by 11,138 since 2011 (17.5%), when there were 63,812 households.
  • Of the 59.6 million usual residents in England and Wales in 2021, 58.6 million (98.3%) lived in households.
    • Of the 185,228 usual residents in Bedford Borough in 2021, 182,669 (98.6%) lived in households.
  • The average household size in England and Wales in 2021 was 2.4 people per household, the same as in 2011; the areas with the highest average household size were Newham, Slough and Redbridge (all 3.0 residents per household).
    • The average household size in Bedford Borough in 2021 was 2.5 people per household, the same as in 2011.
  • Over half of households in England and Wales (51.7%, 12.8 million) were deprived in at least one dimension or measure of household deprivation; this number has decreased since 2011, when it was 57.6% (13.5 million).
    • Just under half of households in Bedford Borough (48.4%, 36,246) were deprived in at least one dimension or measure of household deprivation; this number has decreased since 2011, when it was 54.5% (34,771).
  • Overall, 63.0% of households (15.6 million households) were single family households, 30.2% (7.5 million) were one person households and 6.8% (1.7 million) were multiple family or other household types.
    • In Bedford Borough, 64.7% of households (48,493 households) were single family households, 28.6% (21,448) were one person households and 6.7% (5,007) were multiple family or other household types.
  • Since 2011, the percentage of usual residents aged 16 years and over who were married or in civil partnerships has decreased, from 46.8% in 2011 to 44.6% in 2021.
    • In Bedford Borough the percentage of usual residents aged 16 years and over who were married or in civil partnerships was 46.42% in 2021, this has decreased from  49.38% in 2011.
  • The percentage who were never married and never been in a civil partnership has increased, from 34.6% in 2011 to 37.9% in 2021.
    • In Bedford Borough the percentage who were never married and never been in a civil partnership is 35.88% in 2021, this has increased from 31.94% in 2011.
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3. International migration main points:

  • One in six usual residents of England and Wales were born outside the UK, an increase of 2.5 million since 2011, from 7.5 million (13.4%) to 10 million (16.8%).
    • One in five usual residents of Bedford Borough were born outside the UK in 2021, 39,646 usual residents (21.4%). This is a decrease from 23.86% in 2011 (37,568 usual residents). [The total population has increased but the percentage of those born outside the UK has decreased]
  • India remained the most common country of birth outside the UK in 2021 (920,000 people, 1.5% of all usual residents).
    • For Bedford Borough, Poland remained the most common country of birth outside the UK (5,673 people, 3.06% of usual residents).
    • The top 5 for Bedford Borough in terms of country of birth outside the UK for 2021 are:
      • Poland – 5,673 people – 3.06%
      • India – 4,383 people – 2.37%
      • Romania – 3,293 people – 1.78%
      • Italy – 2,374 people – 1.28%
      • Pakistan  – 2,182 people – 1.18%
  • The number of people who were born in Romania grew by 576% since the previous census, from 80,000 in 2011 to 539,000 in 2021.
    • The number of people in Bedford Borough who were born in Romania grew by 1250% since the previous census, from 244 (0.15%) in 2011 to 3,293 (1.78%) in 2021.
  • 5.9 million usual residents (9.9%) held a non-UK passport; the most common non-UK passport held was Polish (760,000, 1.3% of all usual residents).
    • In Bedford Borough 26,159 usual residents (14.1%) held a non-UK passport; the most common non-UK passport held was Polish (5,967 3.2% of all usual residents).
  • 545,000 usual residents (0.9% of the population) had an address outside the UK one year before the census, down 11.0% from 612,000 (1.1%) in 2011.
    • 2,103 usual residents (1.1% of the population) arrived in the UK in the year before the census, down 14.3% from 1802 (1.14%) in 2011. [The total population has increased but the number of those arriving in the UK in the year before the census has decreased]
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4. Disability main points:

  • Age-standardised proportions (ASPs) are used throughout this bulletin, with the exception of the data on the number of disabled people within a household; ASPs allow for comparison between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure.
    • Age-standardised proportions (ASPs) are provided for Bedford 2021 throughout this note to allow direct comparison with the England/Wales figures quoted but no ASP comparison is currently available for Bedford for 2011. Therefore comparisons with 2011 are actual figures.
  • In England, in 2021, a smaller proportion but larger number of people were disabled (17.7%, 9.8 million), compared with 2011 (19.3%, 9.4 million).
    • In Bedford, in 2021, a smaller proportion but larger number of people were disabled (15.5%, 28,727), compared with 2011 (16.0%, 25,201).
    • In Bedford in 2021, the age–standardized proportion was 16.3% (6.6% Disabled under the Equality Act: Day-to-day activities limited a lot/9.7% Disabled under the Equality Act: Day-to-day activities limited a little). No ASP comparison found for 2011.
  • In Wales, in 2021, a smaller proportion and a smaller number of people were disabled (21.1%, 670,000), compared with 2011 (23.4%, 696,000).
  • The English region with the highest proportion of disabled people was the North East (21.2%, 567,000).
  • Out of all local authorities across England and Wales, Blackpool (24.7%), Blaenau Gwent (24.6%) and Neath Port Talbot (24.6%) had the highest proportions of disabled people.
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5. Unpaid Care main points:

  • Age-standardised proportions (ASPs) are used throughout this bulletin; they allow for comparison between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure.
    • Age-standardised proportions (ASPs) are provided for Bedford 2021 throughout this note to allow direct comparison with the England/Wales figures quoted but no ASP comparison is currently available for Bedford for 2011. Therefore comparisons with 2011 are actual figures.
  • In England and Wales an estimated 5.0 million usual residents aged 5 years and over provided unpaid care in 2021, this is an ASP of 9.0%, a decrease from 11.4% in 2011.
    • In Bedford in 2021, the age–standardized proportion of usual residents provided unpaid care was 8.5%. No ASP comparison found for Bedford for 2011.
    • In Bedford, 14,332 (7.74%) usual residents provided unpaid care in 2021, this is a decrease from 16,084 (10.2%) in 2011.
  • The proportion of people providing 19 or less hours of unpaid care a week decreased from 7.2% in 2011 to 4.4% in 2021.
    • In Bedford in 2021, the age–standardized proportion of usual residents providing 19 or less hours of unpaid care a week was 4.4%. No ASP comparison found for Bedford for 2011.
    • In Bedford, the proportion of people providing 19 or less hours of unpaid care a week decreased from 10,838 (6.88%) in 2011 to 7,421 (4.01%).
  • The proportion of people who provided 20 to 49 hours of unpaid care a week increased from 1.5% in 2011 to 1.9% in 2021.
    • In Bedford in 2021, the age–standardized proportion of usual residents providing 20 to 49 hours of unpaid care a week was 1.8%. No ASP comparison found for Bedford for 2011.
    • In Bedford, the proportion of people who provided 20 to 49 hours of unpaid care a week increased from 1.3% (2,055) in 2011 to 1.6% (3,029) in 2021.
  • The proportion of people who provided 50 or more hours of unpaid care a week increased slightly from 2.7% in 2011 to 2.8% in 2021.
    • In Bedford in 2021, the age–standardized proportion of usual residents providing 50 or more hours of unpaid care a week was 2.3%. No ASP comparison found for Bedford for 2011.
    • In Bedford, the proportion of people who provided 50 or more hours of unpaid care a week increased slightly from 2.03% (3,191) in 2011 to 2.10% (3,882) in 2021.
  • A larger proportion of people provided any amount of unpaid care in Wales (10.5%) than in England (8.9%) in 2021; in Wales, a larger proportion of people provided 50 or more hours of unpaid care a week (3.6%, compared with 2.7% in England).
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6. General Health main points:

  • Age-standardised proportions (ASPs) are used throughout this bulletin; they allow for comparison between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure.
    • Age-standardised proportions (ASPs) are provided for Bedford 2021 throughout this note to allow direct comparison with the England/Wales figures quoted but no ASP comparison is currently available for Bedford for 2011. Therefore comparisons with 2011 are actual figures.
  • In England, the proportion of people reporting very good health increased (from 45.0% in 2011, to 47.5% in 2021), whereas there were decreases in the proportion of people reporting good health (from 34.8% in 2011, to 34.2% in 2021), bad health (from 4.6% in 2011, to 4.1% in 2021) and very bad health (from 1.4% in 2011, to 1.2% in 2021).
    • In Bedford in 2021, the age–standardized proportion of usual residents reporting very good health was 46.9%; reporting good health 35.7%; reporting bad health 3.7% and very bad health 1%. No ASP comparison found for Bedford for 2011.
    • In Bedford, the proportion of people reporting very good health increased (from 46.9% in 2011, to 48.82% in 2021), whereas there were decreases in the proportion of people reporting good health (from 36% in 2011, to 35% in 2021), bad health (from 3.55% in 2011, to 3.43% in 2021) and very bad health (from 0.98% in 2011, to 0.94% in 2021).
  • The North East was the region in England with the highest proportion of people reporting very bad health, at 1.6% of the population.
  • In Wales, there were increases in the proportion of people who reported very good health (from 45.7% in 2011, to 46.6% in 2021) and good health (from 31.4% in 2011, to 32.5% in 2021), and decreases in the proportion of people who reported bad health (from 6.0% in 2011, to 5.1% in 2021) and very bad health (from 1.9% in 2011, to 1.6% in 2021).
  • The local authorities with the highest proportions of people reporting very good health (Kensington and Chelsea, 58.0%) and very bad health (Tower Hamlets, 2.5%) were both in London.
  • In Wales, Gwynedd (51.5%) was the local authority with the highest proportion of people reporting very good health and Merthyr Tydfil (2.4%) was the local authority with the highest proportion of people reporting very bad health.
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7. National identity main points:

  • In 2021, 90.3% (53.8 million) of usual residents identified with at least one UK national identity (English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish, British, and Cornish); this is a slight decrease from 92.0% (51.6 million) in 2011.
    • For Bedford Borough in 2021 87.1% of usual residents identified with at least one UK national identity (English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish, British, and Cornish); this is a slight decrease from 88.8% in 2011.
  • People who identified with at least one UK and one non-UK identity accounted for 2.0% of the overall population (1.2 million people) in 2021; this is an increase from 0.9% (492,000) in 2011.
    • For Bedford Borough people who identified with at least one UK and one non-UK identity accounted for 2.3% of the overall population in 2021; this is an increase from 1.3% in 2011
  • Those selecting a non-UK identity only accounted for 9.7% of the overall population (5.8 million people), which is an increase from 8.0% of the population (4.5 million people) in 2011.
    • For Bedford Borough 12.9% selected a non-UK identity in 2021. This is an increase from 11.2% in 2011.
  • Among those who described a non-UK national identity, the most common response was those describing “Polish” only as their identity (1.0%, 593,000); “Polish” only was also the most common response in 2011 (1.1%, 593,000).
    • For Bedford Borough the most common response was also Polish (2.5%). Although, this has decreased from 2.7% in 2011.
  • “Romanian” only was the second most commonly reported non-UK national identity, increasing to 0.8% (477,000) in 2021 from 0.1% (73,000) in 2011, which is the largest increase for any non-UK national identity.
    • For Bedford Borough the second most common non-UK response was also Romanian (1.6%). This has increased from 0.14% in 2011.
  • Other common non-UK identities include “Indian” only (0.6%, 380,000), “Irish” only (0.5%, 300,000), and “Italian” only (0.5%, 287,000).
    • For Bedford Borough Italian was ranked 3rd with 1.29% (a decline on 1.79% in 2011); Indian was 0.96% (ranked 4th) & Other European was ranked 5th with 0.79% (Irish at 0.54% – ranked 8th)
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8. Religion main points:

  • The religion question is voluntary; 94.0% (56.0 million) of usual residents answered the question in 2021, an increase from 92.9% (52.1 million) in 2011.
    • For Bedford Borough 94.2% of usual residents answered the question. An increase from 93.4% in 2011.
  • For the first time in a census of England and Wales, less than half of the population (46.2%, 27.5 million people) described themselves as “Christian”, a 13.1 percentage point decrease from 59.3% (33.3 million) in 2011; despite this decrease, “Christian” remained the most common response to the religion question.
    • For Bedford Borough 47.6% described themselves as Christian in 2021; a decline of 11.7% from 2011 when 59.3% described themselves as Christian. Christian also remained the most common response for Bedford Borough.
  • “No religion” was the second most common response, increasing by 12.0 percentage points to 37.2% (22.2 million) from 25.2% (14.1 million) in 2011.
    • For Bedford Borough No religion was also the second most common response at 34.1% increasing from 23.6% in 2011.
  • There were increases in the number of people who described themselves as “Muslim” (3.9 million, 6.5% in 2021, up from 2.7 million, 4.9% in 2011) and “Hindu” (1.0 million, 1.7% in 2021, up from 818,000, 1.5% in 2011).
    • For Bedford Borough in 2021 the number who described themselves as Muslim and Hindu both increased too – 7.1% described themselves as Muslim in 2021 (5.5% in 2011) and 1.6% described themselves as Hindu in 2021 (1.5% in 2011).
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9. Language main points:

  • In 2021, 91.1% (52.6 million) of usual residents, aged three years and over, had English (English or Welsh in Wales) as a main language (down from 92.3%, or 49.8 million, in 2011).
    • For Bedford Borough 87.8% usual residents aged three years and over, had English as a main language in 2021 (down from 88.9% in 2011).
  • The most common main languages, other than English (English or Welsh in Wales), were: Polish (1.1%, 612,000), Romanian (0.8%, 472,000), Panjabi (0.5%, 291,000), and Urdu (0.5%, 270,000).
    • For Bedford Borough 2021 the most common languages were Polish 2.73% (ranked 2nd) ; Romanian at 1.57% (ranked 3rd); Panjabi at 1.29% (ranked 4th) ; Bengali at 0.74% (ranked 5th) and Italian 6th at 0.70%.
    • In 2011 (for comparison), the most common other languages were Polish (2.5% – ranked 2nd); Panjabi (1.6% – ranked 3rd); Bengali (1.1% – ranked 4th) with Italian at 5th (0.97%).
  • The largest increase was for people who specified Romanian as a main language, who accounted for over 0.8% of usual residents in 2021 (472,000 people), up from 0.1% (68,000) in 2011.           
    • For Bedford Borough Romanian was the main language in 2011 for only 198 people (0.13%). This has increased significantly to 2,804 people  in 2021 (1.57%).
  • In 2021, 63.8% (15.8 million) of households consisted of members who all had the same main language; 6.0% (1.5 million) had different main languages within the household.
    • In Bedford Borough in 2021, 63.2% of households consisted of members who all had the same main language; 8.2% had different main languages within the household.
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10. Ethnic Group main points:

  • In 2021, 81.7% (48.7 million) of usual residents in England and Wales identified their ethnic group within the high-level “White” category, a decrease from 86.0% (48.2 million) in the 2011 Census.
    • In Bedford Borough, in 2021, 75.7% of usual residents identified their ethnic group within the high-level “White” category, a decrease from 80.5% in the 2011 Census.
  • As part of the “White” ethnic group, 74.4% (44.4 million) of the total population in England and Wales identified their ethnic group as “English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish or British”, this is a continued decrease from 80.5% (45.1 million) in 2011, and from 87.5% (45.5 million) who identified this way in 2001.
    • In Bedford Borough in 2021, 64.1% of usual residents identified their ethnic group as “English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish or British”, this is a decrease from 71.5% in 2011.
  • The next most common high-level ethnic group was “Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh” accounting for 9.3% (5.5 million) of the overall population, this ethnic group also saw the largest percentage point increase from 2011, up from 7.5% (4.2 million people).
    • In Bedford Borough in 2021, the next most common high-level ethnic group was “Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh at 12.6% in 2021 – an increase from 11.4% in 2011.
  • Across the 19 ethnic groups, the largest percentage point increase was seen in the number of people identifying through the “White: Other White” category (6.2%, 3.7 million in 2021, up from 4.4%, 2.5 million in 2011), this response option allows people to specify their ethnic group through writing it in; the increase may be partly explained by the new search-as-you-type functionality introduced for Census 2021, making it easier for people to self-define when completing the census online.
    • In Bedford Borough in 2021, the largest percentage point increase was also in the number of people identifying through the “White: Other White” category – 10.21% in 2021 – up from 7.9% in 2011.
  • Large changes were also seen in the numbers of people identifying their ethnic group as “Other ethnic group: Any other ethnic group” (1.6%, 924,000 in 2021, up from 0.6%, 333,000 in 2011), and “Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African: African” (2.5%, 1.5 million in 2021, up from 1.8%, 990,000); both ethnic groups had the option to write in their response.
    • In Bedford Borough large changes were also seen in the numbers of people identifying their ethnic group as ” Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African: African” (2.94% in 2021 up from 1.7% in 2011)’; “Other ethnic group: Any other ethnic group” (1.51% in 2021 up from 0.5% in 2011) and “Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh: Pakistani” (2.86% in 2021 up from 2.1% in 2011).
  • In England and Wales, 10.1% (2.5 million) of households consisted of members identifying with two or more different ethnic groups, an increase from 8.7% (2.0 million) in 2011.
    • In Bedford Borough, in 2021, 14.4% of households consisted of members identifying with two or more different ethnic groups, an increase from 11.6% in 2011.
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11. Employment in LAs main points:

  • On Census Day, 21 March 2021, 57.2% of usual residents aged 16 years and over were in employment.
    • On Census Day, in Bedford Borough, 21 March 2021, 61.3% of usual residents aged 16 years and over were in employment.
  • The local authority with the lowest percentage of employment was East Lindsey (45.8%) while Wandsworth had the highest percentage (69.6%).
  • Around 3 in 100 (3.4%) usual residents aged 16 years and over in England and Wales were unemployed, and by local authority this ranged from 6.3% in Newham (London) to 0.9% in the Isles of Scilly, and 1.7% in South Lakeland.
    • In Bedford Borough around 3 in 100 (3.3%) usual residents aged 16 years and over in England and Wales were unemployed.
  • Coastal local authorities including East Lindsey (51.3%), North Norfolk (51.1%) and Tendring (50.3%) had some of the highest proportions of usual residents aged 16 years and over who were economically inactive, whereas some local authorities in London, including Wandsworth (26.4%), Lambeth (26.7%), and the City of London (29.1%) had the lowest percentages; nationally, 39.4% were economically inactive.
    • In Bedford Borough just over 3 in 10 (35.3%) usual residents aged 16 years and over in England and Wales were economically inactive.
  • In all local authorities in England and Wales, a greater proportion of men aged 16 years and above were in employment (61.4%) than women (53.2%).
    • In Bedford Borough, a greater proportion of men aged 16 years and above were in employment (65.8%) than women (57.2%).
  • In England and Wales, 7 in 10 (70.0%) disabled people aged 16 years and over were economically inactive and by local authority this ranged from 77.5% in Tendring, to 56.8% in the City of London; among non-disabled people 31.7% were economically inactive.
    • In Bedford Borough, over 6 in 10 (66.8%) disabled people aged 16 years and over were economically inactive; among non-disabled people 28.4% were economically inactive.
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12. People with second addresses main points:

  • Overall, 3.2 million usual residents in England and Wales (5.3% of the population) reported staying at a second address for more than 30 days a year.
    • For Bedford Borough, 7,746 usual residents (4.18% of the population) reported staying at a second address for more than 30 days a year.
  • The percentage of people who used a second address has risen slightly since 2011, when it was 5.2% (2.9 million).
    • For Bedford Borough, the percentage of people who used a second address has declined since 2011, when it was 4.91% (7,730).
  • Overall, 2.5 million usual residents (4.1%) used a second address in the UK and 736,000 usual residents (1.2%) used a second address outside the UK.
    • Overall, in Bedford Borough 5,772 usual residents (3.12%) used a second address in the UK and 1,974 usual residents (1.07%) used a second address outside the UK
  • The most common types of second address were another parent or guardian’s address (used by 1.1 million people, 1.77% of all usual residents), students’ home addresses (655,000, 1.10%), and holiday homes (447,000 0.75%).
    • In Bedford Borough , in 2021, the most common types of second address were another parent or guardian’s address (used by 2,889 people, 1.56% of all usual residents), students’ home addresses (610, 0.33%), and holiday homes (1,323 0.71%).
  • With this data it is important to consider the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, for instance students may have been more likely to be residing at their parent or guardians’ address for the whole academic year with no use of a second term-time address.
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13. Housing main points:

  • Across England and Wales, 77.9% (19.3 million) of households lived in a house or bungalow, 21.7% (5.4 million) lived in a flat, maisonette or apartment and 0.4% (104,000) lived in a caravan, or other mobile or temporary structure.
    • In Bedford Borough, in 2021, 80.72% (60,497) of households lived in a house or bungalow, 18.41% (13,796) lived in a flat, maisonette or apartment and 0.88% (657) lived in a caravan, or other mobile or temporary structure.
  • The proportion of households living in a flat, maisonette or apartment increased the most over the decade, from 21.0% (4.9 million) in 2011 to 21.7% (5.4 million) in 2021.
    • In Bedford Borough, the proportion of households living in a flat, maisonette or apartment increased the most over the decade, from 15.96% (10,183) in 2011 to 18.41% (13,796) in 2021.
    • In Bedford Borough, the proportion of households living in a house or bungalow declined from 82.7% (52,775) in 2011 to 80.72% (60,497); and the proportion living in a caravan, or other mobile or temporary structure remained static at 0.88% in both 2011 and 2021.
  • In 2021, 62.5%, (15.5 million) of households owned the accommodation they lived in, 37.3% (9.3 million) rented their accommodation and 0.1% (33,000) of households lived rent free.
    • In Bedford Borough, in 2021, 64.57% (48,391) of households owned the accommodation they lived in, 35.38% (26,516) rented their accommodation and 0.06% (42) of households lived rent free.
  • Across England and Wales, a similar number, but smaller proportion, of households had fewer bedrooms than required (4.3%, 1.1 million), compared with 2011 (4.5%, 1.1 million).
    • In Bedford Borough, in 2021, 4.20% (3,146) of households had fewer bedrooms than required compared with 4.12% (2,630) in 2011.
  • Almost all households reported that they had central heating in 2021 (98.5%, 24.4 million); of these, 0.9% (233,000) used at least one renewable energy source.
    • In Bedford Borough, in 2021, almost all households reported that they had central heating in 2021 (98.77%, 74,029); of these, 0.49% (365) used at least one renewable energy source.
  • In 2021, 23.3% (5.8 million) of households had no cars or vans (down from 25.6%, 6.0 million in 2011).
    • In Bedford Borough, in 2021, 18.19% (13,631) of households had no cars or vans (down from 20.59%, 13,137 in 2011).
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14. Communal Establishment main points:

  • In 2021, there were 1,042,000 communal establishment residents in England and Wales (1.7% of the usual resident population).
    • In Bedford Borough, in 2021, there were 2,309 communal establishment residents (1.25% of the usual resident population – 185,300).
  • The number of those living in communal establishments has risen by 37,000 since 2011 (when 1,005,000 lived in communal establishments), but declined very slightly as a proportion of the usual resident population (from 1.8%).
    • In Bedford Borough, the number of those living in communal establishments has declined since 2011 (when 2,938 lived in communal establishments), and also declined as a proportion of the usual resident population (from 1.87% – total 157,479).
  • In total, 51.1% of communal establishment residents were female and 48.9% were male.
    • In Bedford Borough in 2021, 48.07% of communal establishment residents were female and 51.93% were male.
  • Almost half (46.3%) of communal establishment residents were aged 16 to 24 years, and a further 16.3% were aged 85 years and over.
    • In Bedford Borough in 2021, almost a quarter (24.69%) of communal establishment residents were aged 16 to 24 years, and a further 22.22% were aged 85 years and over.
  • Close to half of communal establishment residents (45.7%, 477,000) lived in education establishments, and almost a third (33.0%, 344,000) were in care homes.
    • In Bedford Borough in 2021, under a quarter of communal establishment residents (23.08%, 530) lived in education establishments, and over a half (53.31%, 1,224) were in care homes.
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15. Gender identity main points:

  • The census question on gender identity was a voluntary question asked of those aged 16 years and over. The question asked “Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth?”.
  • Overall, 45.7 million (94.0% of the population aged 16 years and over) answered the question.
    • In Bedford Borough in 2021, 139,556 people (94.22% of the population aged 16 years and over) answered the question.
  • In total, 45.4 million (93.5%) answered “Yes” and 262,000 (0.5%) answered “No”.
    • In Bedford Borough in 2021, 138,659 (93.62% answered “Yes” and 437 (0.30%) answered “No”.
  • The remaining 2.9 million (6.0%) did not answer the question.
    • In Bedford Borough in 2021, 8,558 (5.78%) did not answer the question.
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16. Sexual Orientation main points:

  • The census question on sexual orientation was a voluntary question asked of those aged 16 years and over.
  • In total, 44.9 million people (92.5% of the population aged 16 years and over) answered the question.
    • In Bedford Borough in 2021, 137,373 people (92.75% of the population aged 16 years and over) answered the question.
  • Around 43.4 million people (89.4%) identified as straight or heterosexual.
    • In Bedford Borough in 2021, 133,369 people (90.04%) identified as straight or heterosexual.
  • Around 1.5 million people (3.2%) identified with an LGB+ orientation (“Gay or Lesbian”, “Bisexual” or “Other sexual orientation”).
    • In Bedford Borough in 2021, 4,004 (2.7%) identified with an LGB+ orientation (“Gay or Lesbian”, “Bisexual” or “Other sexual orientation”).
  • The remaining 3.6 million people (7.5%) did not answer the question.
    • In Bedford Borough in 2021, 10,745 (7.25%) did not answer the question.
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17. Economic activity status main points:

  • Census 2021 took place during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a period of unparalleled and rapid change; the national lockdown, associated guidance and furlough measures will have affected the labour market topic.
  • Take care when using these data for planning and policy purposes.
  • At Census Day, 21 March 2021, 29.4 million usual residents aged 16 years and over in England and Wales were economically active (60.6%), while 19.1 million (39.4%) were economically inactive.
    • At Census Day, 21 March 2021, in Bedford Borough 95,811 usual residents aged 16 years and over were economically active (64.7%), while 52,307 (35.3%) were economically inactive.
  • Among usual residents aged 16 years and over, almost half were employees (47.6%, 23.1 million), almost 1 in 10 were self-employed (9.6%, 4.7 million) and a further 3.4% (1.7 million) were unemployed but looking for work.
    • Among usual residents in Bedford Borough aged 16 years and over, over half were employees (51.6%, 76,369), almost 1 in 10 were self-employed (9.8%, 14,496) and a further 3.3% (4,946) were unemployed but looking for work.
  • Over a fifth of usual residents aged 16 years and over were economically inactive because of retirement (21.6%, 10.5 million).
    • In Bedford Borough , just under a fifth of usual residents aged 16 years and over were economically inactive because of retirement (19.8%, 29,260).
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18. Travel to work main points:

  • Census 2021 took place during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a period of unparalleled and rapid change; the national lockdown, associated guidance and furlough measures will have affected the travel to work topic.
  • Take care when using these data for planning and policy purposes.
  • Census 2021 estimates that 8.7 million (31.2%) usual residents aged 16 years and over in employment in England and Wales worked mainly at or from home in the week before Census Day, 21 March 2021.
    • In Bedford Borough Census 2021 estimates that 28,568 (31.4%) usual residents aged 16 years and over in employment in England and Wales worked mainly at or from home in the week before Census Day, 21 March 2021.
  • Just over 19.1 million usual residents aged 16 years and over in employment (68.8%) gave a method other than “at or from home”.
    • In Bedford Borough 62,296 usual residents aged 16 years and over in employment (68.6%) gave a method other than “at or from home”.
  • The most selected mode of travel to work was driving a car or a van (45.1%, 12.5 million of all usual residents aged 16 years and over in employment).
    • In Bedford Borough the most selected mode of travel to work was driving a car or a van (47.2%, 42,890 of all usual residents aged 16 years and over in employment.
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19. Industry and occupation main points:

  • Census 2021 took place during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a period of unparalleled and rapid change; the national lockdown, associated guidance and furlough measures will have affected the labour market topic.
  • Take care when using these data for planning and policy purposes.
  • The largest number of usual residents aged 16 years and over in employment the week before Census Day, 21 March 2021, worked within the broad wholesale, retail and motor trade industry (15.0%, 4.2 million out of 27.8 million in employment).
    • In Bedford Borough (2021) the largest number of usual residents aged 16 years and over in employment the week before Census Day, 21 March 2021, worked within the broad wholesale, retail and motor trade industry (16.9%, 15,323 out of 90,868 in employment).
  • Employment in the manufacturing industry decreased by 1.6 percentage points (7.3%, 2.0 million in 2021, compared with 8.9%, 2.4 million in 2011), whereas employment in human health and social work activities increased by 2.2 percentage points (14.7%, 4.1 million in 2021, compared with 12.5%, 3.3 million in 2011).
    • In Bedford Borough – Employment in the manufacturing industry decreased by 1.67 percentage points (6.84%, 6,211 in 2021, compared with 8.51%, 6,487 in 2011), whereas employment in human health and social work activities increased by 1.76 percentage points (14.15%, 12,858 in 2021, compared with 12.39%, 9,453 in 2011).
  • More people were employed in professional occupations compared with any other broad occupation categories (20.2%, 5.6 million people).
    • In Bedford Borough more people were employed in professional occupations compared with any other broad occupation categories (20.1%, 18,284 people).
  • The most common socio-economic classification in England and Wales was lower managerial, administrative and professional occupations (19.9% of usual residents aged 16 years and over, 9.7 million).
    • The most common socio-economic classification in Bedford Borough in 2021 was lower managerial, administrative and professional occupations (21.2% of usual residents aged 16 years and over, 31,468).
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Caveats:

  • Main points taken from stated ONS bulletins.
  • England and Wales figures as quoted in the relevant ONS bulletin(s).
  • all Bedford figures taken from ONS data files figures
  • numbers may not match / balance due to rounding

Local Insight will publish selected Census 2021 data from this latest release (not confirmed at this stage), you will be able to see this from our Local Insight pages here. (https://bedford.communityinsight.org/)