Population

The Nation in Numbers: How we count the population

Categories: Data, ONS, Population

Population statistics aren’t just about counting people—they’re about understanding the nature of our society and its needs.  But how are these figures created, and what makes them reliable? 

In our next Bringing Data to Life webinar, taking place on Tuesday 24 June from 4pm to 5pm, we’re taking a closer look at these fundamental statistics. From measuring today’s population to modelling tomorrow’s needs, this session introduces the people, methods and data that underpin key decisions across the UK. 

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What’s driving the fall in net migration?

Categories: migration, ONS, Population
Arrivals to a UK airport at border control

Following policy changes, there was a record fall in net migration in 2024. With fewer people arriving on work and study-related visas and emigration returning to pre-pandemic levels, net migration is at the lowest level seen since 2021. Mary Gregory looks in more detail at the latest estimates and considers the impact of falling migration on wider ONS statistics.

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Providing a better understanding of domestic abuse

Categories: Crime, Crime, ONS, Population
Pictured is a victim of domestic violence

The way domestic abuse manifests is constantly changing. Because of this and legislative changes, the ONS has undertaken a user engagement, research and testing programme to ensure our statistics continue to provide the most accurate information and meet the needs of users. Meghan Elkin explains how a new set of survey questions for the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) has been developed to give a better understanding of domestic abuse.

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New study launched to better understand Roma communities

Categories: Census, Data, ONS, Population, Research

In 2021 the census of England and Wales included a Roma tick box on the ethnic group question for the first time. However, work to better understand this statistically underrepresented group has not stopped there. Here Daria Tkacz outlines plans for a new study exploring the lived experiences of Roma people in England and Wales.

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