The population of England and Wales surged by more than 700,000 in the year to June 2024, marking the second largest annual increase in over 75 years. The dramatic rise brings the total population to an estimated 61.8 million people.
International migration drove almost the entire increase, with natural population change accounting for only a tiny fraction of the growth. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that net international migration was responsible for 98% of the population jump.
Migration drives record growth
The population rose by 706,881 people between mid-2023 and mid-2024, up from 61.1 million to 61.8 million. Net international migration - the difference between people arriving and leaving the country - contributed 690,147 to this increase.
England and Wales have seen continuous population growth since mid-1982, with migration being the primary driver every year since mid-1999. Before that period, natural change through births exceeding deaths was the main cause of population increases.
Biggest two-year jump on record
The latest figures represent the second largest year-on-year numerical increase since comparable ONS data began in 1949. Only the previous 12-month period from mid-2022 to mid-2023 saw a bigger jump, with 821,210 additional residents.
This means the population has grown by 1.5 million people between June 2022 and June 2024. The ONS confirmed this represents the largest two-year population increase since current records began.
Long-term migration trend continues
Nigel Henretty of the ONS said the rate of population increase has been higher in recent years. He emphasised that net international migration continues to be the main driver of growth, following a long-term trend seen since the turn of the century.
The statistics highlight how migration patterns have fundamentally reshaped population dynamics in England and Wales over the past quarter-century. Natural population change now plays a minimal role compared to international movement.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
