2016 Mid-Year population estimates (MYEs)
The 2016 mid-year population estimates for Somerset, published in June 2017 by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), put the total under-25 population at 147,420, consisting of 75,828 males (51.4% of the total) and 71,592 females (48.6%). Age band estimates are provided in the table below;-
Somerset Age Bands under-25s |
Number |
% of Somerset population |
0-4 | 29,560 | 5.4% |
5-10 | 37,340 | 6.8% |
11-15 | 29,655 | 5.4% |
16-17 | 13,102 | 2.4% |
13-19 | 42,871 | 7.8% |
0-17 | 109,657 | 20.0% |
0-18 | 116,238 | 21.2% |
0-19 | 121,623 | 22.1% |
0-24 | 147,420 | 26.8% |
*Please note that the 2016 mid-year population estimates used here have not been updated with the revised figures released March. Updates will be made when the 2017 mid-year estimates are released.
For data on all age groups within Somerset , please go to our main Population Estimates and Projections page
For information on population characteristics from the 2011 Census, please go to our Census section.
Population trends
Between the 2001 and 2011 Censuses, the number of under-16s in Somerset decreased by 3.1%, in contrast to the overall population rise of 6.4%.
However, in the same period there has been an increase in the estimated number of residents aged 20-24, which may be linked to increases in young migrant workers. Despite this increase, Somerset has a below average proportion of residents in the 20-39 age groups compared to England as a whole.
With limited higher education provision in Somerset, limited employment opportunities in rural areas, and high house prices relative to income, there are increasing challenges in encouraging young adults to remain in the county. For analysis of internal migration patterns, please click here.
School Population Forecasts
Each year, Somerset County Council publishes a School Population Forecast for the coming years, based on the latest number of pupils on roll and latest data on pre-school children.
According to the 2016 Forecast (published in February 2017), numbers of school pupils are forecast to rise each year up to at least 2021.
Key points for 2016 include:
See: School Population Forecast 2017 (under 'Information and Resources' in the right hand margin)
ONS Estimates v Schools Census
Please note that figures from these two data sources will not be identical. Whilst there will be a considerable overlap (and generally similar overall trends as a result) the school population differs from the national Census and ONS mid-year estimate data in that it relates to pupils who attend state-funded schools in the County, whereas the Census and ONS data refers to the resident population of Somerset. As such the school population data will include pupils from other local authorities who attend state-funded Somerset schools, but exclude children from Somerset who attend schools in other local authorities, independent schools, FE colleges or those who are home educated.
A total of 31,761 Somerset residents in 2011 were born outside the UK, half of which arrived in the last 10 years. 5,287 residents were born in Poland, more than any other country outside the British Isles. - 2011 Census