Chief Executive's
16 July 2012
Census shows rise in county population
Leicestershire County Council has welcomed the release of census information, saying it proves how its services will come under increasing pressure.
The information, released by the Office for National Statistics, shows that the population of Leicestershire has increased and that the number of older people has risen.
Nick Rushton, the council’s acting leader, said: "We need accurate census information to enable us to plan our services.
"The latest figures show that the council is correct to plan on the basis of increased demand for adult social care services, which will take up a growing part of the budget.
"That’s why we have to continue to look at which services we support, how we support them and whether we can explore new approaches, such as community leadership.”
The census is available at www.ons.gov.uk
Key findings:
Population
The resident population of Leicestershire has increased from 609,600 in 2001 to 650,500 in 2011. This represents an increase of 6.7%.
Since the 2001 Census, Leicestershire districts have seen their population rise by:
•Blaby, 3,600 (4.0%)
•Charnwood, 12,600 (8.2%)
•Harborough, 8,800 (11.5%)
•Hinckley and Bosworth, 5,000 (5.3%)
•Melton, 2,500 (5.3%)
•North West Leicestershire, 8,000 (9.4%)
•Oadby and Wigston, 400 (0.7%)
The number of people in 2001 aged over 65 in Leicestershire was 95,400. Ten years on that figure has grown to 115,500. This represents an increase of 21%.
The number of people in 2001 aged over 85 in Leicestershire was 10,900. Ten years on that figure has grown to 15,200. This represents an increase of 39%.
The age group which has had the largest increase in numbers since 2001 are those aged 60-64. Their numbers have grown from 30,600 to 44,400. This represents an increase of 45%.
The age group which has had the largest drop in numbers since 2001 are those aged 30-34. Their numbers have fallen from 45,400 to 35,100. This represents a decrease of 27%.
Households
The number of households in Leicestershire has increased from 245,200 in 2001 to 267,400 in 2011. This represents an increase of 9%.
The district which has seen the largest increase in the number of households is Charnwood. This district has seen a 10% increase from 60,500 households to 66,500. However, Harborough has the largest percentage increase of 13%, from 30,850 households to 34,900
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