The first results of the 2021 census are in – and they show Barrow has seen its population shrink over the last decade.

The census takes place every 10 years, with every household in the UK required to take part.

The latest snapshot of England and Wales was captured on March 21 2021.

Now the first results have been released – and there’s been a fall in the number of people living in Barrow.

Historic populations of Barrow:

1981: 72,647

1991: 73,125

2001: 71,981

2011: 69,087

2021: 67,400

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On census day, 67,400 people were living in the area – down 2% from 69,087 in 2011, when the last census was carried out.

This also means the population density has fallen to 865 usual residents per square kilometre, down from 887 in 2011.

The census is crucial for the UK’s statisticians to understand how our population is changing, and plays a vital role in how our public services and government operate.

It shows the balance of men and women in the area has changed – Barrow’s population is now 49.6% male and 50.4% female, meaning there is now a slightly higher proportion of men in the area than 10 years ago.

In 2011, people living in Barrow were 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

The census also shows Barrow has an ageing population as the proportion of over-65s calling the area home rose in the last decade.

Figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there were 14,700 people aged 65 and over living in Barrow on census day last year – up from 12,955 in 2011, when the Census was last carried out.

It means the proportion of over-65s living in the area rose over the last decade – from 18.8% to 21.8%.

There were 22,500 people aged 29 and under living in Barrow on March 21 last year, who accounted for 33.4% of the population – down from 23,785 (34.4%) in 2011.

Of them, 7,200 under-10s called Barrow home.

There were 24.8 million households in England and Wales on census day 2021, up from 23.4 million in 2011, with an average of 2.4 people in each household – the same as in 2011.