There’s something intriguing happening in Wales! While the country as a whole is bustling with growth, there’s one picturesque spot where the population is actually on the decline. Yes, the stunning island of Anglesey saw a small drop in its numbers last year, losing around 141 residents. The culprit? Fewer births compared to the number of people passing away—532 babies compared to 989 deaths, to be precise.
Even though more people moved to Anglesey both from other parts of the UK and overseas, it wasn’t enough to counteract this trend. Meanwhile, other places in Wales are seeing quite the opposite. Newport is leading the way with a population increase of 1.7%, adding 2,787 new faces to its community. Much of this boom is thanks to people relocating internationally. Cardiff and Wrexham are also on the up, with their populations increasing by 1.1% and 1.0% respectively.
If you’re curious about how these statistics pan out in your own neighbourhood, there’s an interactive map available that breaks down the changes in population across the region, showing the impact of births, deaths, and migration. Fascinating stuff!
Meanwhile, the overall population in England and Wales hit 61.8 million in mid-2024, marking one of the largest year-on-year jumps in recent history. While international migration played a huge role in this growth, internal moves within the UK added to the rise as well.
It’s interesting to see how different areas are changing over time. Whether it’s the hustle and bustle of growing cities or the serene calm of a slower pace on Anglesey, Wales has a little bit of everything! 🌍🌿