Population of Southampton, England (2021)

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the population of Southampton was 256,385 in mid-2021.

Recent Trend

• 2011 Census: 251,859
• 2021 Estimate: 256,385
• Growth: +1.7% over the decade (~4,500 people).

Context

• Southampton is a unitary authority (city council = county-level functions).
• Part of the South Hampshire built-up area (pop. ~855,000).
• Major employer: University of Southampton, NHS, port (ABP), cruise terminal, Lloyd's Register.
• Student population ~25,000 (significantly affects daytime demographics).

Demographic Notes

• Younger than UK average (median age ~34 vs. 40).
• Ethnically diverse: ~22% non-White British (2021).
• Population density: ~5,000/km² (compact urban area).

Source: ONS Mid-Year Population Estimates, released June 2022.