The first results of the Census 2021 have been published, giving communities a look at how the population of the Dover district has changed over the past 10 years.
Released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Census provides a detailed snapshot of society in England and Wales, helping to build a picture of each local authority area.
Data for the Dover district shows the population size has increased by 4.2% from 111,700 in 2011 – the last time a census was conducted - to 116,400 in 2021.
This is lower than the overall increase in England (6.6%) and the South East (7.5%).
The figures also reveal the population of the district is ageing, with an increase (23.9%) in people aged 65 years and over, and a drop (-1.2%) in those aged 15 to 64.
Part of the Census looks at population density with Dover faring well having 354 residents per square kilometre - the equivalent of about three people for every football pitch-sized piece of land.
In comparison, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets - the most densely populated area in England - has a density of 12,852, some 112 people per pitch.
The Dover district comes out as the 23rd least densely populated of the South East’s 64 local authority areas and fifth of Kent’s 12 districts and boroughs.
Further results from the Census 2021 survey, which was completed by all residents in March last year, will be released in phases from September 2022 into 2023.
This will include data on ethnicity, religion, housing, education, the labour market and, for the first time, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Cllr Trevor Bartlett, leader of Dover District Council, said: “The Census is hugely important as it helps us to identify community needs, make decisions about our public services, and inform policy and spending decisions.
“These early results show a growing population in Dover and one that enjoys the benefits of space from its enviable coastal location.
“While the population is ageing, some of the UK’s major employers such as the Port of Dover and those based at Discovery Park are providing job opportunities to attract and keep younger generations in the area.
“We also have Dover Technical College offering brilliant training opportunities for young people to gain the necessary skills to find employment and achieve their goals.”
DDC is committed to delivering an ambitious programme of new housing to meet the needs of the district’s growing population.
This includes the highest number of new council homes to be built in a generation as well as affordable home ownership schemes to help aspiring homeowners get onto the property ladder.
To see the first findings of the Census 2021 go to https://www.dover.gov.uk/Corporate-Information/Facts-and-Figures/Census/Census-2021/How-the-population-changed-in-the-Dover-District.aspx
Posted on 02 August 2022