Baseline data for Equality Impact Assessments

This 2025 Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) baseline dataset for Brighton & Hove draws on a range of data sources to provide a comprehensive picture of the local population and its health and wellbeing. The 3 primary sources include:

• ONS 2021 UK Population Census: A national survey conducted in households, offering robust and detailed demographic data available at national and local levels
• Health Counts 2024: A local adult health and lifestyle population-based survey designed to capture self-reported health and wellbeing indicators, this is an anonymous survey based on a large convenience sample (weighted sample of over 16,700)
• ONS 2024 Mid-Year Population Estimates: These provide the most up-to-date estimates of population size and structure, using a combination of administrative data and demographic modelling

Differences in methodology and timing mean that figures from these sources may not always align. Depending on the purpose of use, it’s important to consider the different data sources available.

All figures are rounded for ease. All data and information are correct at the time of writing, September 2025.

Data drawn from the ONS 2024 Mid-Year Population estimates

Brighton & Hove has a resident population of 283,870 people, including;

• 40,350 children aged 0 to 15 years (14%)
• 203,000 working-age adults aged 16 to 66 (72%)
• 40,520 older people aged over 66 (14%)

Brighton & Hove has a very different age profile compared to the South East and England:

• in Brighton & Hove, there are fewer children aged 0 to 15 years (14%) compared to the South East (19%) and England (18%)
• in Brighton & Hove, there are more working-age adults aged 16 to 66 (72%) compared to the South East (64%) and England (65%)
• in Brighton & Hove, there are fewer older people aged over 66 (14%) compared to the South East (19%) and England (18%)

ONS UK Population Census 2021 data - densely populated areas

Some of Brighton & Hove's neighbourhoods are the most densely populated in England.

The most densely populated area of the city is the neighbourhood north of Western Road between Norfolk Square and the Palmeira Square gyratory (over 30,000 residents per square kilometre). The 2 Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs) that make up this neighbourhood are in the 100 (out of 33,700) most densely populated LSOAs in England.

In total, 7 LSOAs in the city are among the 1% most densely populated LSOAs in England.

ONS UK Population Census 2021 data

Nearly 1 in 5 residents (51,797 people, 19%) in Brighton & Hove are disabled. This follows the Equality Act (2010) definition that a person is disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on their ability to do normal daily activities.

This is higher than seen in both the South East (16%) and England (17%).

Among disabled residents, for:

• 2 out of 5 (20,351, 39%) people, their day-to-day activities are limited ‘a lot’
• 3 in 5 (31,446 people, 61%) people, their activities are limited ‘a little’

Both proportions are similar to what's seen in the South East and England.

Over 4 out of 5 residents (225,306 people, 81%) are not disabled as defined by the Equality Act.

This is lower than seen in both the South East (84%) and England (83%).

Among residents without a disability, nearly 1 in 10 (20,502 people, 8%) have a long-term physical or mental health condition. However, this condition does not affect their day-to-day activities. This is similar to what is seen in both the South East (8%) and England (7%).

Nearly three-quarters of residents have no long-term physical or mental health condition (74%). This is lower than seen in the South East (76%) and England (76%).

Disabled residents, under the Equality Act, are concentrated in the central/eastern area of the city, particularly in the wards of:

• East Brighton
• Queens Park
• Hollingbury
• Stanmore

However, there are also higher proportions of disabled people:

• in the east in Woodingdean
• to the west in Hangleton and Portslade

Ranking upper-tier local authorities by the proportion of disabled residents shows that Brighton & Hove (19%) is ranked 51 out of 152 authorities (second quintile). Blackpool (25%) is ranked first, and Slough (5%) is ranked last.

Health Counts 2024 data

Over a third of adults report that their day-to-day activities are limited by a long-term physical or mental health condition or illness (37%), with 16% reporting their activities are limited a lot and 23% a little (figures do not sum due to rounding).

This is much higher than the figures from the 2021 Census (19% reported that their day-to-day activities are limited by a long-term physical or mental health condition or illness). 

People in the following groups/areas of the city were more likely, compared to Brighton & Hove as a whole, to be a disabled adult (Brighton & Hove, 37%):

• those living in more deprived areas: 50% of those in the most deprived 20% of areas, compared to 29% of those in the least deprived 20% of areas
• those aged 18 to 24 and 85+ years (47% and 54% respectively)
• adults from mixed/multiple ethnic groups (42%) and Gypsy, Roma, and/or Traveller (59%) ethnic groups
• females (39%)
• Trans, Non-Binary or Intersex adults (TNBI) (68%)
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer or other non-heterosexual orientation (LGBQ+) adults (50%)
• those living in temporary or emergency accommodation (67%)
• those with experience of the care system as a child/young person (59%)
• unpaid carers (45%)
• areas of Whitehawk, Moulsecoomb and Bevendean, Coldean and Stanmer, Kemptown, Central Brighton, Portslade, Hangleton and Knoll, and Woodingdean

Health conditions

Of the population:

• 23% of all adults have a mental health difference or condition
• 19% with a long-term physical illness/health condition
• 13% are neurodivergent adults (Autistic adults and/or adults with a learning difference, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD)
• 10% are neurodivergent adults (excluding Autistic adults without a learning difference)
• 6% are autistic adults
• 5% are D/deaf or partially deaf adults
• 2% are Blind or partially sighted adults
• 2% have a learning disability

Health Counts 2024 data

In the 2024 Health Counts survey, 5% of adults are Trans, Non-Binary or Intersex (TNBI).

This is considerably higher than the 2021 Census, where 1% of adults in the city identified as TNBI; however, we know this was likely to be an underestimate and that the Census figures for gender identity are no longer accredited official statistics.

The Health Counts survey question was different from the 2021 Census. Health Counts used the guidance for public bodies on the collection of data on sex and gender from the Scottish Government. Rather than ask “Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth?”, we asked “Do you consider yourself to be trans, or have a trans history?" This, combined with non-binary, intersex, or prefer to self-describe from the gender question, formed the TNBI respondent group.

More younger adults are TNBI, ranging from 15% of 18 to 24 year olds and 7% of 25 to 34 year olds to 0.4% of those aged 85 years or over.

ONS UK Population Census 2021 data

The Census figures for gender identity are no longer accredited official statistics and instead classified as official statistics in development.

Please refer to Census 2021 gender identity estimates for England and Wales, additional guidance on uncertainty and appropriate use - Office for National Statistics for guidance.

This was a voluntary question in the 2021 Census. In Brighton & Hove, a total of 220,742 residents (94%) of the population aged 16 years and over answered the question.

A total of 218,401 residents (93%) indicated that their gender identity was the same as their sex registered at birth.

A total of 2,341 residents (1%) indicated that their gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth. Within this group:

• 476 (0.2%) answered “no” but did not provide a write-in response
• 362 (0.1%) identified as a trans man
• 329 (0.1%) identified as a trans woman
• 1,174 (0.5%) wrote in a different gender identity

ONS UK Population Census 2021 data

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 136,470 male (49%) residents in the city. Apart from in the age range 19 to 21, 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 female residents (67%) to 730 male residents (33%). 

Health Counts 2024 data

Over one in 4 adults (28%) are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Asexual, Queer, or prefer another term to describe their sexual orientation but are not heterosexual (LGBQ+).

The Health Counts question differs slightly from the 2021 Census, where 11% of adults in the city identified as LGBQ+.

Health Counts responses to sexual orientation:

• asexual – 3%
• bisexual or bi – 11%
• gay or lesbian – 10%
• heterosexual or straight – 70%
• other term preferred – 1%
• prefer not to say – 2%
• queer – 4% 

ONS UK Population Census 2021

Sexual orientation was a voluntary question, and 9% of Census respondents in Brighton & Hove chose not to complete the question, higher than for England and Wales at 7.5%:

• around 189,745 people (81%) identified as straight or heterosexual
• around 25,247 people (11%) identified with an LGB+ orientation (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or other sexual orientation)
• the remaining 20,375 people (9%) did not answer the question

The proportion of residents aged 16 and over in Brighton & Hove identifying with an LGB+ orientation (11%) is 3 times higher than seen in both the South East (3%) and England (3%).

The proportion of residents aged 16 and over in Brighton & Hove identifying with an LGB+ orientation (11%) is the highest proportion seen in any upper-tier authority in England.

Data drawn from the ONS 2024 mid-year population estimates and 2024 ONS Births in England and Wales

There are estimated to be 68,180 women of childbearing age (15 to 44 years) resident in the city.

Fertility rate

Brighton & Hove had a general fertility rate of 30.7 live births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44 years in 2024, with 2,094 live births. This was the second-lowest general fertility rate of any unitary authority in England.

Data drawn from the ONS 2021 UK Population Census

Black or Racially Minoritised

More than a quarter of residents (72,272 people, 26%) are Black or Racially Minoritised (non-White UK/British).

This is higher than seen in the South East (21%) but similar to what is found in England (27%).

Despite the overall number of residents only increasing by 1% since the last Census, the number of Black or Racially Minoritised residents has increased by over a third (35%, 18,921 people).

Other White

More than a third of Black or Racially Minoritised residents are Other White (26,812 people, 37%).

Other White residents make up nearly 1 in 10 of all residents (10%).

The number of Other White residents has increased by 7,288 people (37%).

Mixed ethnicity

Nearly a fifth of Black or Racially Minoritised residents are of mixed ethnicity (13,228 people, 18%).

Residents of mixed ethnicity make up 1 in 20 of all residents (5%).

The number of residents of mixed ethnicity has increased by 2,820 people (27%).

Asian/Asian British

Nearly a fifth of Black or Racially Minoritised residents are Asian (13,217 people, 18%).

Asian residents make up 1 in 20 of all residents (5%).

The number of Asian residents has increased by 1,939 (17%).

Black/Black British

Nearly 8% of Black or Racially Minoritised residents are Black (5,458 people, 8%).

Black residents make up 1 in 50 of all residents (2%).

The number of Black residents has increased by 1,270 people (30%).

Arab

Nearly 1 in 20 Black or Racially Minoritised residents are Arab (3,049 people, 4%).

Arab residents make up over 1 in 100 of all residents (1%).

The number of Arab residents has increased by 911 people (42%). 

Data drawn from Health Counts 2024

The breakdown of adults by ethnic group is similar to that of adults in the 2021 Census for the city.

• Asian or Asian British – 4%
• Black, Black British, Caribbean or African – 2%
• Mixed / Multiple ethnic groups – 4%
• White British – 76%
• White Irish -2%
• Gypsy, Roma, and/or Traveller -0.2%
• White other – 10%
• Arab – 1%
• Other ethnic group – 1% 

Data drawn from the ONS 2021 UK Population Census

One in 5 residents (54,343 people, 20%) were born outside of the UK. This is higher than seen in the South East (16%) and England (17%).

Despite the overall number of residents only increasing by 1%, the number of residents born outside of the UK has increased by 27% (11,456 people) since 2011, with the proportion increasing from 16% to 20%.

Residents born in the EU

Two out of 5 residents (23,104 people, 42%) born outside of the UK were born in the EU. This is higher than in the South East and England.

Among residents born in the EU, nearly two-thirds 65% were born in EU countries that have been members since before 2004 (EU 14). This is significantly higher than seen in the South East (47%) and England (44%). 

Residents born outside of the EU

Half of all residents born outside of the UK were born outside of Europe (27,670 people, 51%). This is lower than seen in the South East (57%) and England (59%).

Among residents born outside of Europe, nearly half (12,517, 45%) were born in the Middle East and Asia and over a quarter (7,863 people, 28%) were born in Africa.

Most non-UK residents were born in:

• Italy: 2,997 people
• Poland: 2,484 people
• North Africa (Region): 2,797 people
• Spain: 2,382 people
• India: 1,956 people
• USA: 1,655 people
• China, excluding Hong Kong: 1,433 people
• South Africa (country): 1,423 people
• Australia: 1,237 people
• Iran: 1,176 people

Data drawn from the Home Office Asylum seekers in receipt of support by local authority datasets and Regional and local authority data on immigration groups, March 2025

In March 2025, there were thought to be 170 people in supported asylum in Brighton and Hove. This includes:

• 65 residing in contingency accommodation (temporary accommodation, including hotels)
• 87 in dispersal accommodation (accommodation provided to asylum seekers whose claim for asylum support has been agreed)
• 18 in receipt of subsistence only (financial support only, no accommodation)

Additionally, in March 2025, there were thought to be:

• 177 people residing through the Afghan Resettlement Programme
• 639 people residing through Homes for Ukraine (not including super sponsors/arrivals) 

Data drawn from the ONS 2021 UK Population Census: (voluntary question)

Residents with no religion

Over half of residents (152,966 people, 55%) have no religion or belief. This is significantly higher than seen in the South East (40%), England (37%), and the highest proportion of residents with no religion in England (upper-tier local authorities).

Did not answer

19,760 residents (7%) did not answer the question.

Residents with religion

Compared to the South East and England, Brighton & Hove has proportionally more:

• Buddhists (2,455 people, 1%)
• Jews (2,455 people, 1%)
• other religions (2,860 people, 1%)

Compared to the South East and England, Brighton & Hove has proportionally fewer:

• Christians (85,629 people, 31%)
• Muslims (8,500 people, 3%)
• Hindus (2,100 people, 1%)
• Sikhs (378 people, 0.1%) 

Data drawn from Health Counts 2024

The breakdown of religion or belief is similar to the 2021 Census for the city:

• the majority of adults (60%) have no religion
• this is followed by any Christian religion (28%), and Muslim (2%)
• Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu and Sikh each accounted for 1% of adults
• 3% are any other religion, and 4% preferred not to say

Data drawn from the ONS 2021 UK Population Census

A third of Brighton & Hove residents (33%, 77,241 people) aged 16 or older are married or in a civil partnership. This is significantly lower than seen in the South East (48%) and England (45%).

52% of people are never married/registered in a civil partnership

11% are separated, divorced, or have a dissolved civil partnership.

4% are widowed or a surviving civil partnership partner.

Among residents married or in a civil partnership, 3,867 residents (5%) are in a same-sex marriage or civil partnership.

Among all residents aged 16 or older, 3,867 people (1.6%) are in a same-sex marriage or civil partnership. This is 3 times higher than seen in the South East (0.4%) and England (0.4%), and proportionally the highest number of residents in a same-sex marriage or civil partnership in England (upper-tier local authorities). 

Data drawn from Health Counts 2024

The breakdown by marital/civil partnership status is similar to the 2021 Census for the city:

• 48% of respondents are never married/registered in a civil partnership
• 35% are married or in a registered civil partnership
• 9% are separated, divorced, or have a dissolved civil partnership
• 4% are widowed or a surviving civil partnership partner
• 4% prefer not to say

Data drawn from the ONS 2021 UK Population Census

For nearly 1 in 10 residents (24,579 people, 9%), English is not their first or preferred language. This is higher than in the South East (7%) but similar to England (9%). 

Among residents (24,577) for whom English is not their main or preferred language:

• 87% speak English very well or well
• 11% (2,732 people) cannot speak English well
• 2% (386 people) cannot speak English 

In more than 1 in 20 city households (7,817, 6%), no adult speaks English as a main or preferred language.

For 145 residents, their main or preferred language is sign language. 120 residents use British Sign Language (BSL).

Data drawn from Health Counts 2024

81% of adults are very or fairly satisfied with their local area as a place to live.

8% of adults are fairly or very dissatisfied with their local area as a place to live.

53% of adults feel that they belong to their immediate neighbourhood very/fairly strongly.

42% of adults rate their sense of belonging as not very strong or not at all.

Overall, 56% of adults see or speak to their neighbours at least once or twice a week, with 9% of adults seeing or speaking to neighbours daily.

9% of adults had not seen or spoken to their neighbours in the last 12 months.

70% of adults who, if ill in bed and needed help, could ask someone for help. 13% of adults do not have anyone they could ask for help.

See our additional JSNA reports for further information on population data:

Brighton and Hove Population Groups Summary.

Brighton and Hove Executive Summary.

Brighton and Hove Protected Characteristics Summary.