West Berkshire’s Population Growth Reveals Changing Demographics

The population of West Berkshire has seen a notable increase over the past decade, according to the latest data from the National Office for Statistics. Between the 2011 and 2021 censuses, the population rose by five per cent, from approximately 153,800 to 161,400, with a current estimated population of 165,112. This growth highlights significant demographic changes in the region.

Population Density and Age Trends

In 2021, West Berkshire reported a population density of around 1.6 people per football pitch-sized area, placing it among the lowest 25 per cent of local authority areas in England for population density. Over the same period, the average age of residents increased by three years, from 40 to 43. This average age surpasses the national average of 40 years.

The median age serves as a crucial indicator, representing the age at which half the population is younger and half is older. Notably, the number of individuals aged 65 to 74 years surged by around 4,100, marking a significant increase of 31.7 per cent. Conversely, the population segment aged 35 to 49 years experienced a decline of approximately 4,000, reflecting shifting age demographics.

Employment Changes During the Pandemic

The employment landscape in West Berkshire also underwent substantial changes during the pandemic. The proportion of residents aged 16 years and over who were employed fell from 65 per cent in 2011 to 61.7 per cent in 2021. This decline represents the second-largest percentage-point drop in the South East, with only West Oxfordshire experiencing a greater decrease. Despite this downturn, West Berkshire remained within the top 10 per cent of English local authority areas for employment rates.

The 2021 Census, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, captured a period of unprecedented disruption. The implementation of national lockdowns and furlough measures affected both the labour market and the ability of government statisticians to assess employment accurately. Notably, the area witnessed a joint third-largest percentage-point fall in the share of people working more than 49 hours per week, alongside Wokingham. The proportion of employed adults working these extended hours dropped from 15.8 per cent to 11.7 per cent in West Berkshire.

Housing Trends and Private Renting

Housing patterns also indicate a shift towards private renting in West Berkshire. In 2021, 17.1 per cent of households rented privately, up from 13.7 per cent in 2011. Additionally, just under one in seven households lived in socially rented housing. The percentage of households owning their homes, whether outright or with a mortgage, stood at 67.6 per cent.

The increase in private rentals in West Berkshire outpaced the overall trend in the South East, where the rise was 3.4 percentage points. This shift points to changing housing needs and preferences among residents, reflective of broader economic and social trends.

Overall, the data from the last two censuses reveals a dynamic and evolving demographic landscape in West Berkshire, highlighting the intersection of age, employment, and housing trends that will likely shape the area in the years to come.