England Population 2026 — 58.8 Million | 85% of the UK
England is home to 58.8 million people — 85% of the entire UK population — packed into a land area smaller than most US states. With 452 people per km², England is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, though density varies enormously from London's 5,700/km² to the near-empty uplands of Northumberland.
England Population 2026
London Population
Average Population Density
London Density
Median Age (England)
Annual Population Increase
Aged 65 and Over
Aged Under 16
Source: ONS Mid-Year Population Estimates 2024 · Census 2021
England's population is 58.8 million (ONS, mid-2025), representing 85% of the total UK population of 69.5 million, according to the ONS.
England has a population density of 452 people per km² — the highest density of any UK nation, and among the highest in Europe.
London is by far England's largest city with 9.7 million residents, followed by Birmingham (1.1 million), Leeds (800,000) and Sheffield (580,000).
About England's Population
England has a population of approximately 58.8 million — making it by far the most populous nation of the United Kingdom. England alone would be the 25th most populous country in the world, larger than South Korea, Spain or Argentina.
Population growth has been driven primarily by net migration, which accounted for the majority of England's annual population increase in recent years. Natural change — the difference between births and deaths — has been modest, with England's birth rate falling to around 1.5 children per woman.
England's population is ageing. The proportion aged 65 and over has risen from around 14% in 2000 to 18% today, placing significant pressure on the NHS, social care and pension systems. The South East and East of England are the fastest-growing regions outside London. Age-related muscle loss — sarcopenia — is one of the main reasons older adults lose independence and begin to need social care.
England Population by Region — 2026
Population estimates by English region. Source: ONS.
| Region | Population | Density (per km²) | % of England |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | 9,700,000 | 5,700 | 17% |
| South East | 9,400,000 | 480 | 16% |
| North West | 7,400,000 | 533 | 13% |
| East of England | 6,300,000 | 324 | 11% |
| West Midlands | 5,900,000 | 435 | 10% |
| South West | 5,700,000 | 233 | 10% |
| Yorkshire & Humber | 5,500,000 | 338 | 10% |
| East Midlands | 4,800,000 | 321 | 8% |
| North East | 2,700,000 | 308 | 5% |
| England Total | 57,100,000 | 452 | 100% |
Source: ONS Mid-Year Population Estimates 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on ONS mid-year estimates and Census 2021
What is the population of England?
England's population is approximately 58.8 million in 2026 according to ONS mid-year estimates. England accounts for around 85% of the total UK population of 69.5 million and is the most populous nation of the United Kingdom by a very large margin.
How does England's population compare to Scotland and Wales?
England (58.8 million) is vastly larger than Scotland (5.5 million) and Wales (3.2 million). Northern Ireland has approximately 1.9 million people. England alone is more than 10 times the size of Scotland and nearly 18 times the size of Wales.
Is England's population growing?
Yes, but far more slowly than it used to. England and Wales grew by 224,900 people (0.4%) in the year to mid-2025 — the slowest rate of increase since mid-2020. The majority of this growth is driven by net migration rather than natural change (births minus deaths). The population grew from around 53 million in 2011 to 58.8 million in 2026.
Which region of England has the highest population?
London has the highest population at approximately 9.7 million, followed by the South East (9.4 million) and the North West (8.4 million, including Greater Manchester). The North East is the smallest English region at approximately 2.7 million.