Population in Brighton & Hove

This topic summary covers:

• Brighton & Hove latest population estimates (2024)
• population age structure and distribution (2024)
• comparison of 2024 estimates with estimates for 2023 and earlier years
• population groups, including gender, migrants, and students (other groups are covered in other summaries)
• population projections (2025)
• comparisons with the South East and England

New data in this update

This summary uses the Office for National Statistics Mid-Year Population Estimates. In July 2025, the ONS released 2024 population estimates, and in June 2025, the ONS released updated population projections up to 2047.

This report has been updated to include these estimates. View population data on the ONS website.

The importance of population

Population size, structure and composition are crucial elements in identifying, measuring and understanding health and wellbeing.

Data on the population of Brighton & Hove and in different areas of the city is also useful for:

• calculating rates and averages to describe a local area in terms of its demographic and health characteristics, and comparing these to the city, other authorities, the South East and England
• predicting the number of health conditions in a given area using known rates from other geographies

Estimated number of residents in Brighton & Hove (2024)

The current number of residents in Brighton & Hove is 283,870 according to the most recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) mid-year population estimates.

In Brighton & Hove, in 2024, it's estimated that:

• 40,350 people (14%) are aged 0 to 15 years old
• more than two-thirds (72%, 203,000 people) are aged 16 to 64 years old
• 40,520 (14%) are aged 65 years and over

Population profile, Brighton & Hove, South East and England, June 2024

Brighton & Hove has an unusual population profile compared to the South East and England.

Brighton & Hove has a much higher proportion of people aged 19 to 31 years (24%, 67,110 people) compared to only 15% in the South East and 17% in England.

The difference is most pronounced between the ages of 19 to 22 years old. One in 10 of Brighton & Hove's total population (10%, 27,250 people) is aged 19 to 22 years old, compared to only 4% in the South East and 5% in England.

Brighton & Hove has a lower proportion of children aged 0 to 17 years of age (16%, 46,610 people) compared to 21% in both the South East and England.

There are also fewer people across all age groups, from 60 years old and above. In Brighton & Hove, a fifth of the total population (20%, 56,020 people) is aged 60 years or older compared to 26% in the South East and 25% in England.

ONS mid-year population estimates: Brighton & Hove, 2012 to 2024

Brighton & Hove's resident population changed at varying rates between 2012 and 2024.

In 2024, the city's estimated population of 283,870 was 9,819 (3.6%) higher than it was in 2012 and 2,735 (1%) higher than in 2023. The city's resident population now exceeds the 10-year high in 2018 by 2,260 residents.

Brighton & Hove residents aged 20 to 29 make up a significant number of residents (51,900 people, 18%). This is an increase of 3% (1540 people) from 2023. Beyond the age of 29, the working age population has remained level since 2018, with the 30 to 64 year old population increasing by just 1.5% (1970 people).

Children aged 0 to 9 years old have seen the largest fall in population.  In 2018, there were an estimated 27,250 children aged 0 to 9 years old; by 2024, their numbers had fallen to 23,630. This is a decrease of 3,620 children (13.3%).

The number of older residents is also falling. In 2018, there were an estimated 11,080 residents aged 80 or older; by 2024, their numbers had fallen to 10,890. This is a decrease of 190 people (1.7%).

Population growth between 2023 and 2024 is estimated to be the result of inward international migration. Net international migration over this period was 3,570 people. There were 90 more births than deaths, while net internal migration (between Brighton & Hove and the rest of the UK) was -905 people.

Net international migration between 2023 and 2024 (3,570 people) is more than double the average net international migration seen between 2019 and 2021 (1,500 people).

Population density, Brighton & Hove, 2021 Census

Brighton & Hove contains some of the most densely populated neighbourhoods (LSOAs) in England. According to the 2021 Census, Brighton & Hove has 7 neighbourhoods in the 1% most densely populated areas in England.

The most densely populated areas of the city are the 2 neighbourhoods north of Western Road between Montpelier Road and Palmeira Square. Both neighbourhoods are in the top 100 (out of 33,755 LSOAs) most densely populated areas in England.

Brighton & Hove population distribution by age group, 2021 Census

Children aged 0 to 15 years old are concentrated towards the west and north of the city, with comparatively fewer children in the central and coastal areas of the city.

The highest proportions of children aged 0 to 15 years old can be found in areas of Whitehawk (25%) and the areas north of Portland Road on the border of Wish and Westbourne & Poets' Corner wards (25%).

To the east of the city, there are also significant concentrations of children in Woodingdean ward.

Working-age residents (aged 16 to 66 years old) are most concentrated in central wards, either side of the Lewes Road and along the central coastal strip.

There are proportionally fewer adults of working age in the wards to the east and west.

There are 3 neighbourhoods in the city where more than 90% of residents are of working age:

• at Falmer
• around Lewes Road between the Level and the gyratory
• in Kemptown ward

This compares to locations in Hangleton, Eastern Road and east of Hove Park, where less than 60% of residents are of working age.

The concentration of working-age adults along the Lewes Road is most notable in adults aged 16 to 24. For half of the neighbourhoods in the city (81 LSOAs, 49%), 10% or fewer residents are aged 16 to 24. This compares to 12 neighbourhoods where more than a third of residents are aged 16 to 24 years old.

The highest concentration of 16 to 24-year-olds can be found in Falmer/Coldean (75%), Falmer/North Moulsecoomb (50%) and around Lewes Road/Upper Lewes Road (47%). The lowest proportions are found north of Hove station (6%) and along the Kingsway in Hove, Grand Avenue (5%) and west of Hove Street (6%).

Meanwhile, working-age adults over the age of 24 are concentrated in central coastal areas of the city and central Hove. The highest proportions of 25 to 66 year olds are found south of Hove station (75%), Seven Dials (74%), Kemptown (74%), the north side of Western Road (74%) and Albany Villas (74%). This compares to Falmer (18%), North Moulsecoomb (34%), Coldean (34%) and South Moulsecoomb (35%).

Older people (67 years and older) in Brighton & Hove tend to live in the north and east of the city.  The highest proportions of older residents live in locations in Hangleton (31%), Rottingdean & West Saltdean ward (30%) and Eastern Road (30%). This compares to locations around Brighton station, Falmer and Lewes Road, where less than 3% of residents are aged 67 or older.

Residents arriving and leaving Brighton & Hove, year up to March 2021, Census 2021

Detailed migration data.

Internal migration (between Brighton & Hove and the rest of the UK), year ending June 2021.

In the 12 months to March 2021, more people arrived in Brighton & Hove from other areas of the UK than left for other parts of the UK. 19,361 people arrived in Brighton & Hove from other local authorities in the UK.  In the same time frame, 17,056 Brighton & Hove residents left the city for other local authorities in the UK.

Most people moving from within the UK to Brighton & Hove do so from  West Sussex (2,682 people) or East Sussex (1,752 people). Most arrived from Lewes (969), Adur (617), Mid Sussex (590) and Worthing (441). After Sussex, most people arrived from London: Lambeth (441), Wandsworth (437) and Southwark (408).

Residents leaving Brighton & Hove most often go to West Sussex (4,468 people) or East Sussex (2,301 people).

Most people moved to Lewes (1,383), Adur (1,301), Worthing (1,034), Mid Sussex (1,003), and Horsham (491). After Sussex, most people left for Bristol (375) and London: Lambeth (287) and Southwark (262).

The city is a destination for migrants (people living or intending to live in the city for 12 months or more) from outside the UK.

The 2021 Census estimates that 54,343 residents (20%) were born outside of the UK. This is similar to the 2020 ONS Country of Birth and Nationality statistics (55,000 people, 19%).

The city's international migrant population (20%) is significantly higher than seen in both the South East (16%) and England (17%).

More than 2 out of 5 international migrants in the city (43%, 23,104 people) were born in countries now in the EU. This is significantly higher than 23,104, both the South East (38%) and England (36%). Nearly two-thirds of EU migrants in the city (65%, 15,099 people) are from EU member countries that joined the EU before 2004. This is again significantly higher than both the South East (47%) and England (44%).

Over half of international migrants in the city (51%, 27,670 people) are from countries outside of Europe. This includes 12,517 people from the Middle East and Asia (23% of all migrants), 7,863 people from Africa and 5,326 people from the Americas and the Caribbean.

Brighton & Hove is also a destination for short-term international migrants (people who move to the UK for a period of 3 to 12 months). According to the 2021 Census, there were an estimated 1,519 short-term migrants in the city.

Sex distribution

Brighton & Hove has a relatively even sex distribution until the age of 75 years old.  In 2024, there are estimated to be 145,400 female (51%) and 138,470 male (49%) residents in the city.

Apart from in the age range 19 to 21 (see section on students below), there is a relatively even distribution of males and females across all ages up until the age of 75 years old. Similar to the picture seen in England, beyond the age of 75 years old, the proportion of female residents increases.

There are an estimated 19,500 residents aged 75 or older, of which 57% (11,180 people) are female and 43% (8,320 people) are male. By the age of 90 or older, the difference is two to one, with 1,470 females (67%) to 730 males (33%) residents.

Students

For the academic year 2023 to 2024, there were 35,885 students at the University of Sussex (19,220) and the University of Brighton (16,665). This was a decrease of 5.3% (2020 students) compared to 2022 to 2023.

In England, there has been a 0.6% decrease in the number of 35,885 students over the same period. At the University of Sussex and University of Brighton in 2023 to 2024, 58% of students were female (20,725 people) compared to 42% male (14,720 people).

It should be noted that not all students at the 2 universities live in Brighton & Hove. There are also 9,710 Brighton & Hove residents enrolled at a UK higher education institute outside the city.

In 2032, the projected population is 292,790. This is up from 278,370 people in 2022 (5.2% increase), compared to a 6.4% increase in England.

Net international migration is projected to be the largest factor in the population increase (+30,483).

The projected median age is 38. This is the same as in 2022.

ONS population projections released in June 2025, and based on the 2022 population, estimate a 5% increase (14,420 more people) in the population from 2022 to 2032 and an 8% increase (23,250 more people) from 2022 to 2047.

Projected change in the number of young people

In 2032, 15% of people are projected to be aged 18 years and under, down from 18% in 2022. This is below average for England in 2032 (20%).

Looking at the youngest age groups in Brighton and Hove between 2022 and 2032, we can see the share of:

• infants (aged 0 to 4 years) will stay around the same, at 4%
• primary school-age children (aged 5 to 11 years) will fall from 7% to 5%
• secondary school age children and sixth-form age (aged 12 to 18 years) will fall from 8% to 6%

Population change by age, between 2022 and 2032 and between 2022 and 2047

Between 2022 and 2032

The largest increase in population is projected to occur in those aged 80 years and above (31% increase, 2,835 more people) and those aged 60 to 69 years (29% increase, 7,270 more people).

The largest decrease is projected to occur in those aged 50 to 59 years (12% decrease, 4,726 fewer people) and those aged 0 to 9 years (9% decrease, 2,134 fewer people).

Between 2022 and 2047

The largest increase in population is projected to occur in those aged 80 years and above (79% increase, 7,188 more people) and those aged 70 to 79 years (35% increase, 6,209 more people).

The largest decrease is projected to occur in those aged 10 to 19 years (15% decrease, 5,080 fewer people) and those aged 50 to 59 years (5% decrease, 2,010 fewer people).

Population change by sex, between 2022 and 2032 and between 2022 and 2047

Between 2022 and 2032

The female population is projected to increase by 5% (6,603 more people), and the male population is projected to increase by 6% (7,817 more people).

Between 2022 and 2047

The female population is estimated to increase by 7% (9,992 more people) and the male population by 10% (13,258 more people).

Drivers of change - births, deaths and migration

Population change is projected by looking at births and deaths (natural change) and people moving in and out of areas.

Births and deaths

The number of births in Brighton & Hove has fallen by 29% since 2013, from 2,967 in 2013 to 2,100 in 2022. This is lower than England (52 per 1,000) and the South East (52 per 1,000), and is the lowest of all upper-tier local authorities in England.

More births than deaths mean that the population is projected to increase by 1,334, with 23,320 births and 21,986 deaths between 2022 and 2032. This means natural change would increase the population in Brighton and Hove by 0.5%, compared with an increase of 0.2% in England.

Between 2022 and 2047, births per year are projected to increase slightly, from 2,266 in 2023 to 2,573 in 2047.

The number of deaths is also projected to increase, from 2,268 in 2023 to 2,559 in 2047.

People moving in and out of Brighton & Hove

Of the different population projections that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) publish, it's recommended to use a migration version which aligns with recent international estimates.

The migration component of the projection consists of:

• cross-border migration (into or out of Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland)
• internal migration (into or out of other areas of England)
• international migration (into or out of any other country)

Net internal migration (people moving to and from other local authorities in England) is projected to reduce the population by 15,216, with 262,112 people moving to the area and 277,328 people moving from the area between 2022 and 2032. This would decrease the population in Brighton and Hove by 5.5%.

Net cross-border migration (between UK nations) is projected to reduce the population by 2,050, with 6,627 people moving to the area and 8,677 people moving from the area between 2022 and 2032. This would decrease the population in Brighton and Hove by 0.7%.

Net international migration is projected to increase the population by 30,483, with 63,940 people moving to the area and 33,458 people moving from the area between 2022 and 2032. This would increase the population in Brighton and Hove by 11.0%, compared with an increase of 6.5% in England.

The ONS publish a range of projections under different migration scenarios, showing the large contribution migration can have on the local population size and structure.

Old-age dependency ratio

Whilst many people aged 66 years or over will not be dependent, the old-age dependency ratio is a measure which shows the proportion of older people (from the state pension age of 66 years) relative to the working-age population (those aged 16 to 65 years).

In 2022, the dependency ratio was 186 per 1,000 people of working age. This is projected to increase to 224 per 1,000 people of working age in 2047.

What we don't know

Population projections are based upon assumptions of how the population will change. There could well be factors which mean that these patterns change in unforeseen ways, and so projections will always have a degree of uncertainty around them.

The population referred to in this paper is the ‘resident’ population. A resident is someone who has lived in an area, or intends to live in an area, for more than 12 months.

Data sources

All data used in this report was accessed from the following websites in July 2025.

ONS 2021 UK Population Census: Census - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk).

ONS population estimates, projections, migration and county of birth figures can be found on the Population and Migration pages of the ONS website.

ONS population estimates are updated annually in June for the previous year.

ONS population projections are updated every 2 years.

Country of birth data is updated annually in May for January to December of the previous year.

ONS internal migration data is updated annually in June for the previous year.

Data on the number of students can be found on the Higher Education Statistics Agency website. Data is updated annually.

Data rounding

All ONS population estimates and projections have been rounded to the nearest hundred.

ONS Country of Birth figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

Internal migration figures have been rounded to the nearest ten.

Figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency have been rounded to the nearest five.

Latest demographic data

To find the latest published and upcoming releases on the changing demographics of the UK, view the release calendar pages of the ONS website.

Other relevant information

The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) allows you to find, explore and use a wide range of facts and figures at different geographical levels for Brighton & Hove. Resources include:

• Local Insight, which allows you to map key demographic data for the city and produce demographic profiles of local neighbourhoods and other geographies
• Profiles and Needs Assessments for different populations and population groups

You can find data from the 2021 UK Population Census (and earlier censuses) on Nomis. Also on Nomis are detailed local labour market profiles.

Further reading

The population and migration pages on the ONS website provide information on the methodologies used to produce their population estimates and projections, as well as statistical bulletins about how the population of the UK is changing.