UK Population Growth Statistics — +228,000 Per Year
The UK population is approximately 69.5 million and grew by 227,700 in the year to mid-2025. Watch the population tick in real time from ONS population estimates.
About These Statistics
The UK population stands at approximately 69.5 million people, according to ONS Mid-Year Population Estimates, and grew by 227,700 in the year to mid-2025 — around 624 people a day. This growth is driven primarily by net migration, which accounts for the majority of population increase. Natural increase (births minus deaths) contributes a smaller and declining share of growth as the birth rate falls below the death rate.
The UK population has grown by approximately 10 million since 1990, when it stood at approximately 57.5 million. This represents growth of approximately 17% over 35 years. Growth has accelerated since the early 2000s, driven by increased net migration following EU enlargement and, subsequently, post-Brexit immigration policy changes.
The age structure of the UK population is shifting significantly. The median age has increased from approximately 35 in 1990 to approximately 40 today. The proportion of the population aged 65 and over has increased from approximately 16% to 19%, and is projected to reach 24% by 2045. This ageing is driven by the baby boom generation reaching retirement age and increasing life expectancy.
Regional population growth is highly uneven. London and the South East have grown fastest, driven by both internal migration and international immigration. Some parts of the North East, Wales and Scotland have seen population stagnation or decline. The government's Levelling Up agenda sought to address these disparities but population redistribution is slow.
ONS population projections suggest the UK population will reach approximately 73 million by 2045, though this is highly sensitive to assumptions about net migration. Under lower migration scenarios, population growth would be significantly slower and the UK could face population decline in some scenarios beyond 2060.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on official UK government data
What is the UK population in 2026?
The UK population is approximately 69.5 million people according to ONS Mid-Year Population Estimates. The population grew by 227,700 in the year to mid-2025 — around 624 people a day. Growth is driven primarily by net migration, which accounts for the majority of annual population increase.
How fast is the UK population growing?
The UK population grew by 227,700 in the year to mid-2025 — around 0.3% — according to the ONS. Almost all of that came from international migration: natural change (births minus deaths) added just 4,900, as births and deaths are now almost level. The latest separate estimate of net migration is 171,000 for the year to December 2025. ONS projects the population will reach approximately 73 million by 2045.
Is the UK population ageing?
Yes. The median UK age has increased from approximately 35 in 1990 to approximately 40 today. The proportion aged 65 and over has risen from 16% to 19% and is projected to reach 24% by 2045. This ageing is driven by the baby boom generation retiring and rising life expectancy. An ageing population increases pressure on health services, social care and the state pension.