Census 2021

The census takes place every 10 years. It gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.

It is unlike anything else in providing information about us and the society we live in at a point in time. It helps public bodies like us decide how to plan and fund services. The information from the census can help to inform local and national decisions on education, housing, public transport, libraries, healthcare and much more.

The census was last run in March 2021 by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It asked questions about residents, their homes and the people who live in them. This is personal information that is kept safe and confidential by law.

Some census data has already been released and more data will be released in 2023. The results help with decisions about how funding and resources are used for public services.

Census 2021 results for the borough of Rochdale

The census turns millions of forms into statistics we can all use. Here's what we've learnt about the borough of Rochdale:

  • The population of the borough of Rochdale has increased to 223,773.
  • The number of households in the borough of Rochdale has increased to 90,223.
  • 97 per cent of residents in the borough of Rochdale responded to the census.
  • The ethnicity of residents in the borough of Rochdale is 74 per cent white, 19 per cent Asian, 4 per cent black, 2 per cent mixed and 2 per cent other ethnicities.
  • 19 per cent of residents in the borough of Rochdale are recognised as disabled under the Equality Act.
  • 91 per cent of residents in the borough of Rochdale identify as straight, while 2.3 per cent of residents identify as LGBTQIA+, and 7 per cent chose not to answer.
  • 80 per cent of residents in the borough of Rochdale are in good, or very good, health.
  • 54 per cent of residents in the borough of Rochdale are in work or economically active.
  • 26 per cent of residents in the borough of Rochdale hold higher education qualifications of level 4 or above.
  • 9 per cent of residents in the borough of Rochdale provide unpaid care.
  • Of the working population in the borough of Rochdale, 21 per cent work at home while 55 per cent drive to work.
  • 99 per cent of all households in the borough of Rochdale have access to central heating.
  • 3 per cent of residents identify as armed forces or ex-armed forces, 34 per cent of these are registered disabled.
Census data infographic of Rochdale.

Census results for the population of the borough of Rochdale.

More about the census

You can find out more about the census at the following links:

 

Census related content