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Home Census

The first population census was conducted in 1801, and for the past 200 years a census has been done every 10 years.  The census provides a count of all people and households in the country, as well as other useful information about the population.

Many of the statistics in the Research and Statistics section based on the 2001 Census and other population estimates and projections. The results of the 2011 Census will be released next year.

Picture of somedody workingThe Census 2011 is now over, however you can find Census information below

General Questions about the Census

1. What is the Census?

The census provides a high quality estimate of the population. It is a count of all people and households in England and Wales and is carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Everyone is asked the same questions on the same day in order to take a snapshot of the population at one point in time. The statistics describe the population at national, regional and local levels.

2. Why do we have a Census?

The information collected on the questionnaires is used to help government and local authorities plan the services and resources people need, such as transport, housing, healthcare and education. The amount of money your council has to spend on these important services is based on population statistics from the census. That is why it is so important that everyone takes part.

3. Who organises it?

In England and Wales the census is planned and carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) takes the census in Northern Ireland and the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) takes the census in Scotland. All three take place on the same day to provide consistent population statistics for the whole of the UK.

4. How often does it take place?

The first census took place in 1801 after demographer Thomas Malthus told how population growth would soon outstrip supplies of food and other resources, leading Britain into famine, disease and other disasters. People quickly began to see the need for a census, Parliament passed the Census Act in 1800 and the first official census of England and Wales was taken on 10 March 1801. Since then we have taken a census every ten years - except in 1941 during World War II).

5. Is the UK the only country that has a census?

No. More than 200 countries worldwide carry out regular censuses. The United Nations and European Union encourage all countries to collect census-type information.

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