The UK’s population has reached an all-time high of 69.3 million, driven largely by immigration, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Over the past 12 months, the population has grown by more than three-quarters of a million, marking one of the biggest yearly jumps in over 75 years.
Immigration Fuels Growth More Than Births
The ONS data shows that in mid-2024, the UK population increased by 755,254 people (1.1%) compared with mid-2023.
This is the second-largest annual numerical rise since the late 1940s, only behind the nearly 890,000 increase recorded from mid-2022 to mid-2023.
Most of this growth came from international migration, with natural change—more births than deaths—playing only a minor role.
Largest Two-Year Increase Since Records Began
Between June 2022 and June 2024, the UK population grew by an estimated 1.6 million.
This two-year surge is the biggest jump since modern population records started, highlighting the continuing impact of migration on the country’s demographics.
Regional Differences in Population Growth
Population growth has not been uniform across the UK. England saw the fastest increase at 1.2% in the year to June 2024, while Scotland grew by 0.7%, Wales by 0.6%, and Northern Ireland by just 0.4%.
Interestingly, both Wales and Scotland experienced negative natural change during this period, meaning deaths outnumbered births.
Net Migration Drives National Growth
Net international migration—the difference between people moving to the UK and those leaving—was the main factor behind population growth in all four nations.
The ONS estimates that 1,235,254 people immigrated to the UK over the 12 months to June 2024, while 496,536 left the country.
This produced a net migration of 738,718, accounting for 98% of the overall population increase.
Local Population Shifts Across the UK
Some local areas saw striking changes. In England, the City of London had the largest percentage increase (11.1%), while the Isles of Scilly saw the steepest drop (2.8%)—though these areas have very small populations.
Other notable increases included Oadby & Wigston (3.1%), Preston (2.9%), and Barking & Dagenham (2.8%). Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth, and Westminster recorded the largest decreases.
In Scotland, Glasgow experienced the biggest rise (1.8%), while Argyll & Bute saw the largest fall (0.3%). Newport led growth in Wales (1.7%), with the Isle of Anglesey declining the most (0.2%).
In Northern Ireland, Derry City & Strabane grew by 1%, whereas Newry, Mourne & Down fell slightly by 0.2%.
Population Growth Trends Over Time
Nigel Henretty from the ONS noted that the UK population has increased every year since mid-1982, with net international migration remaining the dominant driver.
The pace of growth has accelerated in recent years, and the increase seen in the year to mid-2024 represents the second-largest annual rise in numerical terms in more than seven decades.
Revised Estimates Show Decade of Steady Growth
Alongside the 2024 figures, the ONS updated its population estimates for 2011 to 2023 based on the latest migration data.
The UK population grew by 4.7 million (7.2%) from mid-2014 to mid-2024. While slightly slower than the 7.8% rise seen between 2004 and 2014, growth in the 21st century has been faster than in the latter half of the 20th century.
For context, the population was 50.3 million in 1949, took 19 years to reach 55 million, 37 more years to reach 60 million, and only 10 years to climb from 60 million to 65 million by 2015.