HomeReportPopulation by age

Population by age

Population by age group in the North East MSA (Mayoral Strategic Authority) area, including geographical comparisons and small area trends

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Introduction

The mid-2024 population estimates for LA (local authority)  areas in England and Wales were released on 30 July 2025, along with revised mid-2022 and mid-2023 estimates. Estimates for smaller geographies were added in November 2025.

Information about the methodology is included in the "about the data" section of this report. This highlights that the estimates represent the "usually-resident population". Although these statistics are estimates rather than counts, they are not published to the nearest 100 or 1,000, as is often the case for estimates. This ensures that percentages calculated from them are not based on rounded figures.

Note: North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) was previously known as North East Combined Authority/North East CA pre-May 2026.

 

North East population latest

2.05m

latest North East CA area population

Mid-2024 estimates,
CA area: combined authority area.
Estimated unrounded population:
2,047,820

26%

lived in County Durham in 2024.

Just over 16% in Northumberland,
almost 16% in Newcastle,
14% in Sunderland, 11% in North Tyneside,
10% in Gateshead, 7% in South Tyneside.

5th

highest population among England's 15 CA areas

All five had populations of
more than two million in 2024.
The other ten each had a
population below 1.61 million.
 

140,500

highest constituency area population in 2024

Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West.
Lowest: South Shields (90,400).
Original definitions based on
number of electors, not population.

North East age profile

31,500

Residents aged 21

Mid-2024 North East estimate,
Highest for any single year of age.
Next highest totals: 19-20, 57-62,
all above 28,000.

20,800

Residents aged 47

Mid-2024 North East estimate,
Lowest working age total.
Next lowest: 46, 48-50, 16,
all below 23,000.

62

North East upper quartile year of age

25% of residents in mid-2024
were this age and older.
England equivalent: 59.
Medians: NE: 42, England 40.

54%

of 16 to 24 year olds in County Durham and Newcastle

higher than the 42% of total population.
County Durham and Northumberland
are home to 48% of people aged 65+,
also compared to 42% of all ages.

Age profile comparisons

42%

of Northumberland residents aged 55 plus

Largest LA% (mid-2024),
smallest: Newcastle (25%).
Highest % aged under 35:
Newcastle 52%.
 

5th

largest % of people aged 55 plus (out of 15)

North East among CA areas,
35% in mid-2024 estimates.
5th smallest %
of under-35s (41%).

48%

of North Northumberland residents aged 55 plus

Newcastle Central and West: 24%,
highest and lowest by constituency.
53% aged under 35 in
Newcastle Central and West.

31%

of residents in smaller rural areas aged under 35

lower than the 36% and 43%
in larger rural and urban areas.
46% in smaller rural areas
aged 55 plus (mid-2024 estimates).

About the data

The annual ONS mid-year estimates of the resident population of England and Wales are usually published about 12 months after the date they refer to. Although these official statistics are unrounded, they are estimates rather than counts and are subject to a degree of uncertainty. The initial release includes estimates for local authority (LA) areas and larger geographies. A second release provides estimates for smaller geographies about four months after the first.

Currently, these estimates are based on the census, which takes place every ten years. The estimates are updated each year using a cohort component method. This uses the most reliable available data sources to estimate components of population change. The three major components are natural change, migration, and special populations.

The estimates refer to the usually resident population, an internationally agreed definition. This includes only people who reside in a country for 12 months or more, with visitors and short-term migrants excluded. international migrants are usually resident if they intend to stay in England and Wales for more than 12 months.

For a few groups of people, the usual residence is defined using specific rules. For example, higher education students and schoolchildren studying away from home are considered usually resident at their term-time address, while members of the armed forces are usually resident at the address where they spend most of their time.

Further information

Links to sources, other datasets and methodology.

Population home page

The hub's population landing page. Includes links to other data reports about population.

Access other reports

Population estimates for England and Wales (source)

The annual statistical bulletin containing national and local mid-year estimates and related information.

Explore the data source

Small area population estimates (source)

The annual release focussing on population estimates for geographies smaller than local authority areas.

Explore the data source

Nomis website (source)

An official site that allows users to download local area statistics for customised sets of geographies and variables.

Access customised data

Population estimates methodology guide

The official ONS guide to how the annual estimates are compiled.

Find out more