The Vale of Glamorgan population size grew by 4.3% in ten years, according to the latest census data published today (June 28).  

The first set of Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures reveal the county's population size increased from 126,300 in 2011 to 131,800 in 2021, with numbers rounded up to the nearest one hundred. 

Vale of Glamorgan is the fourth local authority area in Wales with the largest increase in population (4.3%), with Newport in first place with a 9.5% growth, Cardiff by 4.7% and Bridgend by 4.5%.  

Ceredigion has seen a decrease of 5.8% in its population. 

Out of the 22 local authorities in Wales, the Vale of Glamorgan ranked 12th in population size in 2021 which is the same position held ten years ago.  

Vale of Glamorgan is the fourth local authority area in Wales with the largest increase in population by 4.3%. (Image credit: Vale of Glamorgan Council)

The county is also the tenth most densely populated local authority area in Wales; this equates to three people living on an area of land the size of a football pitch.  

With population changes in age groups, the Vale of Glamorgan has seen a rise of 24.9% in the number of people aged 65 and over, a fall of 1.5% in people aged 15-64, and a decrease of 4.3% in children under 15 years old. 

The next set of census data is expected to be released in the autumn.  

Summary: England and Wales results 

• ONS figures reveal 59,597,300 people living in England and Wales on March 21, 2021 (Census Day) – 6.3% more (3.5 million) than in 2011 and is the biggest census population ever recorded. 
• In 2021, England's population was 56,489,800 and Wales had a population of 3,107,500.  
• The Welsh population grew by 44,000 people (1.4%).  
• Cardiff is the most densely populated area in Wales; equating to 18 people living on a football pitch size of land. 
• Tower Hamlets in London has 112 people per football pitch. 
• Powys has the lowest population density; with one resident for every five football pitches. 
• Wales' population continues to age; 21.3% were aged 65 and over on Census Day and this is the highest percentage ever recorded. 
• The largest age group in Wales in 2021 was 55-59 years. 
• From 2011 to 2021, there has been a 17.7% increase in people aged 65 and over in Wales, a 2.5% drop in people aged 15-64, and a 1% decrease in children under 15 years old. 
• The number of people aged 65 years and over increased by 20% between 2011 and 2021 in eight of the 22 local authorities in Wales. 
• Monmouthshire saw the biggest increase in Wales with people over the age of 65 (26%) in ten years.