beta
This is a new service – your feedback will help us improve it.

How the population has changed in Dorset

Demographic trends in Dorset and other local authorities within the UK from 2002 to 2020
Last updated:

Dorset's demographics, 2020:

Total population 379,791 people

The total population in Dorset rose compared with 2019.

Go to population ↓

Population density 152 people per sq km

The population density in Dorset is lower than the United Kingdom as a whole.

Go to population density ↓

Median age 51 years

The average age in Dorset is older than the United Kingdom as a whole.

Go to median age ↓

Warning:

This is a demo article. The numbers are based on official ONS mid-year population estimates, but may not be presented accurately.

Total population in Dorset

In 2020, Dorset was the fifth largest local authority in the South West, with a total population of 379,791. An increase compared with 2019.

Population of local authorities in the South West

Number of usual residents, 2002-2020
Source: Office for National Statistics

Population density in Dorset

In 2020, the population density in Dorset was 152 people per square kilometre, which was less than the South West (237), and less than the United Kingdom as a whole (276).

Densest local authorities in the South West

Population density in people per sq km, 2020
Source: Office for National Statistics

Median age in Dorset

In 2020, the median age in Dorset was 51 years, which was older than the South West (44 years), and older than the United Kingdom as a whole (41 years).

Oldest local authorities in the South West

Median age in years, 2020
Source: Office for National Statistics

All versions of this article