Population

The latest official estimate of the population of the City and County of Swansea stands at 246,500 (mid-2018, Office for National Statistics / ONS).  Swansea has the second highest population of the 22 Welsh local authorities, representing almost 8% of the total population of Wales (3,138,600).

Further information on the 2018 population statistics for Swansea, including breakdowns by age and sex, data for other local authorities, Wales and UK, and the most recent trends (2017-18), is available in a briefing note* (PDF, 1MB)Opens new window on this page.  The mid-2018 population by single year of age data for Swansea (Excel, 58KB)Opens new window is also available.

Between 2017 and 2018, Swansea's estimated population increased by approx. 1,000 (+0.4%).  This is in line with the average increase across Wales and the 11th highest annual growth rate (%) of Wales' 22 authorities.  Analysis of the supporting data released with the estimates suggests that Swansea's population growth during the year to June 2018 was mainly from net international in-migration (+1,400 approx.), partly offset by negative natural change (i.e. approx. 240 more deaths than births in the year), and internal (UK-based) migration (-170 net).

More detailed information on population and demography is included in the following pages: 

• Recent population trends
• Small area population estimates: 2017 and earlier
• Population density, including small areas in Swansea
• Population characteristics: ethnicity, country of birth and nationality; students in Swansea
• Household estimates (2017)
• Population and household projections (Welsh Government)  

A broad range of statistics on population and household characteristics are also available via our 2011 Census pages.  In some cases the Census remains the most appropriate (or only) data source.

This page also includes the Swansea Demographic Profile (PDF, 964KB)Opens new window.  This summary report provides a statistical overview of the city and county, including Swansea's population by age, recent (and projected) change and household composition; together with background information on a range of population characteristics, including ethnicity, Welsh language, general health and economic activity.  It was updated in July 2019.

If you have further enquiries regarding population statistics in Swansea, please contact us.