Description of Data
Mid-2021 population estimates for Northern Ireland were published on 28th March 2024.
Notes:
1. The estimates are produced using a variety of data sources and statistical models. Therefore small estimates should not be taken to refer to particular individuals.
2. The migration element of the components of change have been largely derived from a data source which is known to be deficient in recording young adult males and outflows from Northern Ireland. Therefore the estimates are subject to adjustment to account for this and, while deemed acceptable for their use, will not provide definitive numbers of the population in the reported groups/areas. Further information is available in the Limitations section of the statistical bulletin:
NISRA 2021 Mid-year Population Estimates webpage
Time Period
Estimates are provided for mid-2021
Methodology
The population estimates were created using cohort-component methods. The cohort-component method updates the Census estimates by ‘ageing on’ populations and applying information on births, deaths and migration. Further information is available at:
NISRA 2021 Mid-year Population Estimates webpage
Geographic Referencing
Population Estimates are based on a large number of secondary datasets. Where the full address was available, the Pointer Address database was used to allocate a unique property reference number (UPRN) and geo-spatial co-ordinates to each home address. These can then be used to map the address to particular geographies. Where it was not possible to assign a unique property reference number to an address using the Pointer database, or where the secondary dataset contained only postcode information, the Central Postcode Directory was used to map home address postcodes to higher geographies. A small proportion of records with unknown geography were apportioned based on the spatial characteristics of known records.
Further Information
The next estimates of the population for small geographical areas within Northern Ireland will be released in Spring 2024.
Contact: NISRA Customer Services
02890 255156
census@nisra.gov.uk
Responsible Statistician: Jonathan Harvey