2016 population projections
In June 2016, the latest Population Projections and accompanying Sub-National Population Projections were published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Based on 2014 figures, they indicate a UK population that, compared with the 2012 projections, is both larger and increasingly ageing.
The UK population is projected to increase by 9.7 million over the next 25 years (2014-2039) from an estimated 64.6 million in mid-2014 to 74.3 million by mid-2039.
In addition, the population is projected to continue ageing. In 2014, the average (median) age was 40.0 years, whereas by mid-2039 this is estimated to be 42.9. By that time more than one in 12 of the population is projected to be aged 80 or over.
In terms of the overall population increase, England accounts for the largest part, with the population projected to increase by 9.0 million from 2014 to 2039. This is 0.6% higher than the 2012 projection.
The areas in England that are experiencing the fastest population growth are London, the South East and the East. Assumed net migration accounts for 51% of the increase, with natural increase resulting from a higher birth than death rate accounting for the 49%.
The figures will pose increasing challenges to local authorities, all but 11 of which are projected to grow in population over the next 25 years. Local plans will be interrogated to determine the extent to which local authorities have taken the new projections into account when assessing housing need.
To read the full report, see the ONS.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Compact sustainable city.
- Densification.
- Exploring the impact of the ageing population on the workforce and built environment.
- Changing lifestyles.
- Masterplanning.
- National infrastructure plan.
- Redefining density, making the best use of London’s land to build more and better homes.
[edit] External references
- Planning Portal - Latest population projections published.
Featured articles and news
Shortlist for the 2025 Roofscape Design Awards
Talent and innovation showcase announcement from the trussed rafter industry.
OpenUSD possibilities: Look before you leap
Being ready for the OpenUSD solutions set to transform architecture and design.
Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2025
Highlighting the continuing threat to trades persons.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Now available in Arabic and Chinese aswell as English.
The context, schemes, standards, roles and relevance of the Building Safety Act.
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill
An outline of the bill with a mix of reactions on potential impacts from IHBC, CIEEM, CIC, ACE and EIC.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.