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How the population has changed in Belfast

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

Belfast's demographics, 2020:

Total population 342,560 people

The total population in Belfast fell compared with 2019.

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Population density 2,487 people per sq km

The population density in Belfast is higher than the United Kingdom as a whole.

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Median age 36 years

The average age in Belfast is younger than the United Kingdom as a whole.

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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 Belfast

In 2020, Belfast was the largest local authority in Northern Ireland, with a total population of 342,560. A decrease compared with 2019.

Population of local authorities in Northern Ireland

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

Population density in Belfast

In 2020, the population density in Belfast was 2,487 people per square kilometre, which was more than Northern Ireland (137), and more than the United Kingdom as a whole (276).

Densest local authorities in Northern Ireland

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

Median age in Belfast

In 2020, the median age in Belfast was 36 years, which was younger than Northern Ireland (39 years), and younger than the United Kingdom as a whole (41 years).

Oldest local authorities in Northern Ireland

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

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