Northern Ireland population getting older with median age up to 40

The population of Northern Ireland is continuing to get older with the median age now at 40.

The region’s total population was estimated to be 1.93 million on June 30 last year, with an annual increase of 7,500 people (0.4%) on mid-2023.

According to statistics published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), the increase is down to natural growth and migration.

It found there were 19,800 births and 17,900 deaths between June 2023 and June 2024, and there was a net gain of 5,800 people due to 28,200 migrating to Northern Ireland while 22,500 emigrated.

The median age increased to 40.3 years – up from 38.1 in 2014.

The proportion of the population aged 65 or over increased to 18.1% (349,200 people) by mid-2024, with the proportion aged under 16 decreasing to 20% (384,700).

This was in contrast to the position 25 years ago, in 1999, when the equivalent proportions were 13.1% and 24.3% respectively.

By June 2024 the estimated number of people aged 85 and over living in Northern Ireland had risen to 42,900.

Over the last decade, the population aged 85 and over has increased by 24.6% – growing five times faster than the population of Northern Ireland during the period. Of these, women accounted for nearly two-thirds (62.9%).

The new statistics also show an estimated 294 people aged 100 or more in the region.

All but one local government district experienced population growth in the year to mid-2024.

Newry, Mourne and Down was the only area with an estimated decrease at minus 0.2%, while Derry City and Strabane had the largest growth at 1%.