How has Birmingham’s population changed?
Birmingham’s population has seen significant fluctuations over the last two centuries, shaped by industrial growth, wartime impact, suburbanisation, and recent urban regeneration. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the population of Birmingham increased dramatically during the 19th and early 20th centuries, peaking in the mid-20th century before declining, then rising again in recent decades.
Originally a small market town, Birmingham experienced rapid urban growth during the Industrial Revolution. Its central location and access to raw materials like coal and iron helped it become one of the UK’s leading manufacturing cities. Between 1801 and 1901, the population increased from 73,670 to over 522,000, driven by rural-urban migration and a booming metal industries sector.
The early 20th century saw Birmingham surpass the one million mark. By 1931, the population had reached 1,002,603, making it the second city of the British Empire. Growth continued post-World War II, peaking at 1.11 million in 1951. However, the following decades saw a population decline due to deindustrialisation, slum clearance, and the movement of people to surrounding suburbs and new towns, part of wider post-war urban policy.
By 2001, Birmingham’s population had dropped to 977,087, its lowest in over 50 years. However, the early 21st century brought a resurgence. Urban regeneration projects, inward migration, and a high birth rate contributed to strong population growth. From 2001 to 2021, the city grew by over 167,000 people, reaching 1,144,900 in 2021. According to the ONS, this 17% increase was above the national average and reflects Birmingham’s youthful and diverse population.
Like Manchester, Birmingham’s modern growth has been fuelled by investment in finance, education, and technology sectors, alongside major projects such as HS2, the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and city centre regeneration. Today, Birmingham remains the UK’s second most populous city and continues to attract people from across the UK and the world due to its economic opportunities and cultural diversity.
How old is Birmingham’s Population?
The population pyramid below shows the age-sex structure of England in comparison with Birmingham.
The population structure of Birmingham differs significantly from that of England as a whole. Birmingham has a noticeably younger population, with a larger proportion of people aged 0–34 compared to the national average. This is especially evident in the 0–4, 10–14, and 20–34 age groups, which are broader at the base of the Birmingham pyramid. In contrast, England’s population structure shows a more ageing profile, with a higher proportion of people aged 60 and over. This reflects Birmingham’s status as a major urban centre with high levels of natural increase and inward migration, particularly among young adults and families. Meanwhile, rural areas and smaller towns across England tend to have older populations, contributing to the broader top of the national pyramid.
Impacts of national and international migration on the growth and character of Birmingham
Birmingham is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK. According to the 2021 Census, 51.4% of the city’s population identified as being from an ethnic group other than White British—an increase from 42% in 2011. This diversity is a result of long-term national and international migration, which has shaped the city’s character, economy, and services.
Historically, Birmingham attracted migrants during the Industrial Revolution. Irish migrants arrived in large numbers in the 19th century, fleeing famine and poverty and finding work in the city’s growing industries. By the mid-20th century, Birmingham saw increased immigration from the Caribbean, India, Pakistan, and later Bangladesh, due to post-war labour shortages and changes in UK immigration policy.
Today, Birmingham is home to large Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, African Caribbean, Somali, Chinese, and Eastern European communities. Over 300 languages are spoken in the city, making it one of the most linguistically diverse places in Europe.
National Migration
Birmingham has attracted people from across the UK, especially from surrounding areas in the West Midlands. One of the main drivers of internal migration is education. The city has five universities, including the University of Birmingham and Aston University, which together attract tens of thousands of students each year. Many of these students stay after graduation, contributing to the city’s skilled workforce.
Between the 2011 and 2021 censuses, Birmingham’s population increased by 6.7%, from 1,073,045 to 1,144,900. While this growth was close to the national average (6.6%), the city’s youthful population and high birth rates played a significant role. The median age in Birmingham in 2021 was just 34, compared to 40 in England overall.
The city’s expanding job market, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, education, digital technology, and finance, continues to attract internal migrants. The development of new transport infrastructure, like Birmingham New Street station’s modernisation and the planned Curzon Street HS2 terminal, has also made the city more accessible for commuters and job seekers.
International Migration
International migration has been a significant factor in shaping Birmingham’s population and identity. Many migrants arrived in the 1950s and 1970s to support post-war reconstruction, working in manufacturing, transportation, and the NHS. Birmingham is now one of the UK’s most multicultural cities. Many people from countries such as Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh have settled in areas like Small Heath, Sparkbrook, Ladywood, Handsworth, Aston, and Soho. These areas have affordable terraced housing and strong community ties.
In recent years, migration from EU countries—most notably Poland, Romania, and Lithuania—increased following the EU’s expansion in 2004 and 2007. Migrants have worked across many sectors, including construction, hospitality, and healthcare.
Birmingham celebrates its diversity through events such as Birmingham Mela (the UK’s biggest South Asian music festival), Caribbean and African cultural celebrations, and the Chinese New Year Parade. These events bring together different communities and strengthen social cohesion.
Culturally, international migration has transformed the city. Birmingham is renowned for its diverse range of world cuisines—from Balti houses and Somali cafés to Polish bakeries and Romanian supermarkets. The famous Balti Triangle is a symbol of the positive impact migration has had on the city’s food culture. Shops, restaurants, and services often reflect the cultures of the people who live there. You’ll also find many different places of worship, including mosques, gurdwaras, and temples.
At school, children in Birmingham speak over 100 different languages, including Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, and Somali. For many students, English is not their native language, and in approximately 1 in 10 migrant households, no one over 16 speaks English as their first language.
Challenges and Opportunities
Migration has contributed to Birmingham’s economy, enriched its cultural life, and supported essential services—especially health and social care, where many migrant workers are employed. For example, a significant proportion of NHS staff in Birmingham were born outside the UK.
However, migration has also brought challenges. There is pressure on housing, schools, and health services, particularly in inner-city areas where population density is high. Affordable housing remains an issue, with house prices and private rents rising faster than average wages. This has led to some urban sprawl and development along the rural-urban fringe.
Like other major cities, Birmingham faces the challenge of ensuring that all communities feel included and have equal access to opportunities. Initiatives such as the Birmingham Integration Strategy aim to promote social cohesion and reduce inequality across the city.
Migration affects the communities where people settle. Here are some of the main effects:
- Housing: Migrants often live in older, cheaper housing, like 1970s tower blocks or terraced houses in crowded areas.
- Young population: Many migrants are young adults with children, which increases demand for school places.
- Diversity: These areas are highly multicultural, but this can sometimes lead to tensions between different groups.
- Growing population: These communities are experiencing rapid growth, which puts pressure on local services.
- Services: There is a high demand for schools, healthcare, and employment opportunities, especially in lower-income areas.
- Inequality: Some migrant communities face poverty and disadvantage. The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) indicates that some regions of Birmingham are more deprived than others. This index examines factors such as income, health, education, housing, crime, and the environment to assess the quality of life for individuals.
