Population overview

This section provides an overview of key population topics, including the latest demographic picture of Lancashire's population and the components of population change, in addition to articles showing how Lancashire’s population has changed over time and how it is expected to evolve.

Mid‑year population estimates, produced annually by the Office for National Statistics, form one of the most important and frequently used population datasets. These figures provide the latest snapshot of population levels by age and sex and are updated each summer. These estimates underpin wider analytical work and support planning across services.

Small‑area population figures offer a more detailed view of population distribution within Lancashire, including counts for districts, wards, built‑up areas, parishes and rural settlements. This article highlights the variations between densely populated urban locations and more sparsely populated rural areas, supporting local decision‑making and resource allocation at neighbourhood level.

Labour market population estimates provide sample‑based figures for the population aged 16 and over, derived from the Annual Population Survey. These estimates help to understand the working‑age population and support analysis of economic activity, employment, and skills across the county.

Birth and death statistics show year‑to‑year changes in fertility, mortality, and natural population change. This article reveals how the balance between births and deaths varies across Lancashire's areas and how this contributes to population growth or decline.

National Insurance number (NINo) registrations of overseas nationals provide annual insight into patterns of internal and international migration into Lancashire. These figures help identify where migrant workers are settling and how migration contributes to local labour supply and demographic change.

The population history data from 1891 to 2021 allows long‑term trends in Lancashire’s demographic development to be tracked. Census records show how population levels have fluctuated over more than a century, offering valuable historical context for understanding more recent demographic patterns.

Looking forward, population projections give an indication of how Lancashire’s population is expected to change up to 2047. These estimates highlight likely future trends in population size and age structure and are essential for long‑term planning across services such as education, health, and housing.

The latest official statistics on ethnicity are from the Census 2021. We provide detailed analysis of these down to ward level in our Census 2021 articles.

Page updated 27 February 2026