UK Population Growth Statistics
Live UK population growth counter 2026. The UK population is approximately 67.7 million and grows by around 500,000 per year. Watch the population tick in real time from ONS population estimates.
About These Statistics
The UK population stands at approximately 67.7 million people, according to ONS Mid-Year Population Estimates, and grows by approximately 500,000 per year — around 1,370 people every 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 67.7 million people according to ONS Mid-Year Population Estimates. The population grows by approximately 500,000 per year — around 1,370 people per 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 grows by approximately 500,000 per year — around 0.74% annual growth. This is driven primarily by net migration of approximately 685,000 per year (year to June 2023), offset by emigration. Natural increase (births minus deaths) contributes a smaller share as the birth rate approaches the death rate. 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.