Luton Borough Council

29/06/2022 - What the 2021 Census tells us about Luton

Last year households in Luton took part in the national census – a snapshot of the population in the UK – that is taken every ten years.

The data collected is not only important for the country as a whole, but helps us spot local trends and therefore allows us to more accurately prepare the right sort of services, amenities and facilities that are likely to be needed in the future.

The first batch of data was published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) yesterday (28 June). Later this year, more detailed figures will be released, but we have included the headlines.

According to the results of the census the population of Luton is now 225,300. This represents an increase of eleven per cent since the 2011 census. This figure is higher than the national figures which showed the UK population as a whole has increased by six per cent in the past decade.

Of this figure 112,900 are males and 112,400 females.

These population figures mean, given the size of the town, that Luton has a population density of 52 people per hectare. This is greater than some London boroughs.

Last year’s census has confirmed what we already knew, namely that Luton has a younger than average population.

The 0-14 year age group has grown by 12 per cent in the last ten years, while numbers in the 15-64 age group grew by the marginally smaller figure of 11 per cent. Those aged 65 and over grew by 11 per cent between 2011 and 2021.

At the higher range it has become clear that the number of older people in the borough has increased dramatically. The age group 90 and above had the fastest growth of 33 per cent between 2011 and 2021 with the number of 25-29 year olds falling by 12 per cent.

This increase in population has also had a significant impact on the number of households in the borough. There are now 78,900 households in Luton, an increase of 6 per cent between 2011 and 2021.

Luton Council Chief Executive, Robin Porter, said: “Last year we encouraged everyone to take part in the national Census because it would help us shape the future of services to the town. We are extremely grateful to everyone who did so.

“This early information is broadly in line with our own projections and is very helpful to us as we work towards our aim of Luton2040 – a town in which everyone can thrive and no one lives in poverty.

“The significant rise in under 14 year olds is particularly relevant as we make Luton an increasingly child-friendly and carbon neutral town. To say young people are the future, is not merely a cliché, but a reminder to us all that we are working towards better prospects for the children of Luton.

“At the same time the huge increase in the proportion of our elderly citizens reinforces our determination to care for those who are becoming increasingly vulnerable and who have already given so much to the town.

“We will continue to reflect and plan around this initial release of information from the ONS and, as further batches of data are released, sharpen our strategies to ensure the best for everyone in Luton.”

View highlights of the census and for further information as it is released.