Thurrock facts and statistics

Population

Thurrock has a diverse population that is increasing by over 10% every decade.

In 2001, our population was 143,300, and by the time of the Census in 2011 it had risen to 157,700. Since then it has increased by 11.6%, with the Census of 2021 reporting the population to be 176,000.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) is responsible for Census 2021 data and publishes regular updates.

The NOMIS: local authority profile for Thurrock provides the latest available information on the labour market profile of Thurrock, including employment, income and benefits statistics.

Age and gender

The ONS released Census 2021 data in June 2022. It usually provides new population predictions once a year. For the previous mid-year estimate reports by single age group and by gender, go to ONS: Population estimates for UK, England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The table below summarises UK population estimates by age and sex based on the census of 2021.

Population section Percentage, rounded
Male 49%
Female 51%
0 to 14 year-olds 21%
15 to 24 year-olds 11%
25 to 44 year-olds 30%
45 to 64 year-olds 24%
65 year-olds and older 14%

Ethnicity, religion and language

The latest information for Thurrock is from the national census of 2011, below.

Ethnic profile summary Thurrock East region England
White British 80.91% 85.28% 79.75%
All non-White British 19.09% 14.72% 20.25%
All black, African, Caribbean and black British 7.82% 2.01% 3.47%
All Asian and Asian British 3.77% 4.75% 7.82%
White Gypsy and Irish traveller 0.20% 0.14% 0.10%
Other white, not including White Irish 4.07% 4.45% 4.58%
Religion and faith summary Thurrock East region England
Christian 63.34% 59.66% 59.38%
No religion 26.04% 27.90% 24.74%
Muslim 2.01% 2.54% 5.02%
Main languages summary Thurrock East region England
English 94% 94.50% 92%
Other European (EU) 3.00% 2.20% 3.10%
Polish 1.40% 1.00% 1.00%
South Asian 1.20% 1.30% 2.50%