Mid & East Antrim’s ageing population revealed

Over the decade 2012-2022, the population of Northern Ireland is projected to increase by 5.2 per cent (i.e. 94,900 people), reaching 1,918,500 people in 2022.

Population growth is projected for each of the 11 new Local Government Districts over the decade, ranging from 1.2 per cent (Derry & Strabane) to 10.1 per cent (Mid Ulster).

Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon is projected to experience the greatest growth in terms of the number of people (i.e. 19,900 people), accounting for just over one fifth (21 per cent) of the total growth across Northern Ireland during the decade 2012-2022.

Whilst the number of children in Northern Ireland (i.e. those aged under 16 years) is projected to grow by 4.9 per cent throughout the decade 2012-2022, there is a projected decrease in the number of children in 5 of the 11 new Local Government Districts.

The working age population of Northern Ireland (i.e. those aged 16 to 64) is projected to experience modest growth (0.5 per cent) over the decade 2012-2022. The working age population is projected to decrease in 7 of the 11 new Local Government Districts, most notably in Derry & Strabane and North Down & Ards.

The population aged 65 and over is projected to increase by 26.0 per cent over the decade 2012-2022, with each of the new 11 Local Government Districts projected to experience growth in this group. By 2022, the number of people aged 65 and over is projected to exceed the number of children in Causeway Coast & Glens, Mid & East Antrim, and North Down & Ards Local Government Districts.