Population statistics

How large is Oxford's population?

At the 2001 Census, Oxford's 'usual resident population' was estimated to be 134,248.  Since then it is estimated to have increased to 153,700 by 2010. 

The Census which takes place every ten years is the definitive count of population.  The latest Census took place in March 2011, results from which will become available during 2012.  Between Censuses there are different ways to estimate the current population and project future population growth.  To aid understanding of these, Oxfordshire Data Observatory has published guidance on how to use different population estimates.  The estimates and projections for Oxford are outlined in this briefing paper.

Estimates and projections of Oxford's population (96kB PDF)

Due to the large number of students, Oxford has a relatively young population - visit our age and gender pages for more information.  The population turnover is also very high.  In 2001, 25% of the population had moved within the last year - the highest rate of any English local authority area.  The level of turnover varies within Oxford, with the highest rates in areas where students predominate.

Map of population turnover, 2001 (222kB PDF)

How many students are there in Oxford? 

At the 2001 Census, 26% of the working age population was a student - the highest proportion in England and Wales.  To find out more, visit our pages which have details of the number of university students studying in Oxford each year.

How ethnically diverse is Oxford?

In the 2001 Census, Oxford was estimated to have a black and minority ethnic population of 12.9% compared with 8.7% in England and Wales.  Since then the proportion of people in non-white ethnic groups has increased.  Latest statistics on ethnicity

Oxford also has the second highest proportion of people born outside the UK in the South East.

The diversity of the City is being increased by migration from new European Union countries, with 3,850 migrants applying to work in the Oxford area in the six years following April 2004, the majority from Poland.  More on international migration to Oxford

You may also be interested to find out about the first languages spoken in Oxford homes and the proportion of people experiencing illness or disability.  We also have information about the religion of Oxford residents and the number of people living in same-sex couples.

How many visitors does Oxford receive?

Approximately 40,000 non-residents travel to work in Oxford - around half the city's workforce.  This suggests that the daytime population is boosted by approximately 26,000 due to travelling workers.

Oxford also has a large number of tourist visitors who swell the daytime population - an estimated 9.5 million every year.

Where can I find more information?

A profile of Oxford's population from the 2001 Census is available on the National Statistics website.

For more on population statistics, visit the Oxfordshire Data Observatory website.

Data sources

• Census 2001, ONS
• Mid-Year Population Estimates, ONS
• Higher Education Statistics Agency
• Experimental Estimates of Ethnicity, ONS
• Economic Impact of Tourism in Oxford 2008

Page last reviewed 11 Nov 2011