The population reached nearly 160,000
Between the last two censuses (held in 2011 and 2021), the population of Somerset West and Taunton increased by 8.7%, from around 144,900 in 2011 to around 157,400 in 2021.
The population here increased by a greater percentage than the overall population of the South West (7.8%), and by a greater percentage than the overall population of England (up 6.6% since the 2011 Census).
In 2021, Somerset West and Taunton was home to around 0.9 people per football pitch-sized piece of land. This area was among the lowest 10% for population density across English local authority areas at the last census.
This article generally uses percentages to enable comparisons over time and between areas. The percentage point change is also used to show the difference between the 2011 and 2021 percentages.
Population growth was higher in Somerset West and Taunton than across the South West
Percentage population change, Somerset West and Taunton and surrounding areas, 2011 Census to Census 2021
England ▲6.6% South West ▲7.8% Somerset West and Taunton ▲8.7%| -2 | -0.5 | 0.5 | +2 | +8 | +16% |
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An older Somerset West and Taunton
Between the last two censuses, the average (median) age of Somerset West and Taunton increased by two years, from 45 to 47 years of age.
This area had a higher average (median) age than the South West as a whole in 2021 (44 years) and a higher average (median) age than England (40 years).
The median age is the age of the person in the middle of the group, meaning that one half of the group is younger than that person and the other half is older.
The number of people aged 65 to 74 years rose by just over 4,800 (an increase of 30.3%), while the number of residents between 35 and 49 years fell by around 1,400 (5.2% decrease).
The share of residents aged between 65 and 74 years increased by 2.2 percentage points between 2011 and 2021
Percentage of usual residents
by age group,
| 85 years and over | 3.5 | 3.8 | 2.9 | 3.1 | 2.2 | 2.4 | 3.5%
3.8% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 to 84 years | 7.6 | 8.7 | 6.6 | 7.6 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 7.6%
8.7% |
| 65 to 74 years | 11.0 | 13.2 | 10.1 | 11.7 | 8.6 | 9.8 | 11.0%
13.2% |
| 50 to 64 years | 20.7 | 21.2 | 19.6 | 20.4 | 18.1 | 19.4 | 20.7%
21.2% |
| 35 to 49 years | 19.4 | 16.9 | 20.6 | 17.9 | 21.3 | 19.4 | 19.4%
16.9% |
| 25 to 34 years | 10.2 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 12.1 | 13.5 | 13.6 | 10.2%
11.2% |
| 20 to 24 years | 5.5 | 4.3 | 6.3 | 5.8 | 6.8 | 6.0 | 5.5%
4.3% |
| 16 to 19 years | 4.9 | 4.1 | 5.0 | 4.4 | 5.1 | 4.6 | 4.9%
4.1% |
| 10 to 15 years | 6.9 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 6.9%
6.7% |
| 5 to 9 years | 5.0 | 5.3 | 5.2 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 5.0%
5.3% |
| 4 years and under | 5.3 | 4.7 | 5.6 | 4.8 | 6.3 | 5.4 | 5.3%
4.7% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Unpaid care in Somerset West and Taunton
Somerset West and Taunton saw the South West's joint third-largest percentage-point fall (alongside South Gloucestershire, Dorset and East Devon) in the proportion of people (aged five years and over) providing up to 19 hours of weekly unpaid care (from 7.8% in 2011 to 4.7% in 2021). These are age-standardised proportions.
Age-standardised proportions are used throughout this section. They enable comparisons between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure.
Across the region, only Stroud (from 8.4% to 5.0%) and Cotswold (from 7.6% to 4.3%) saw a greater decrease in the proportion of people (aged five years and over) providing up to 19 hours of weekly unpaid care.
Every local authority area across the South West saw a fall in the proportion of people (aged five years and over) providing up to 19 hours of weekly unpaid care, as the regional proportion fell from 7.5% to 4.7%.
Census 2021 was undertaken during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This may have influenced how people perceived and managed their provision of unpaid care, and therefore may have affected how people chose to respond.
Caution should be taken when making comparisons between 2011 and 2021 because of changes in question wording and response options.
The percentage of people (aged five years and over) providing up to 19 hours of weekly unpaid care in Somerset West and Taunton decreased by 3.1 percentage points
Age-standardised proportion of usual residents (aged five years and over)
by hours per week of unpaid care provision,
| Does not provide weekly unpaid care | 88.6 | 91.1 | 88.6 | 91.0 | 88.7 | 91.1 | 88.6%
91.1% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 19 hours of unpaid care | 7.8 | 4.7 | 7.5 | 4.7 | 7.2 | 4.4 | 7.8%
4.7% |
| 20 to 49 hours of unpaid care | 1.3 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.3%
1.8% |
| 50 or more hours of unpaid care | 2.3 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.3%
2.5% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Religion in Somerset West and Taunton
In 2021, 41.9% of Somerset West and Taunton residents reported having "No religion", up from 27.7% in 2011. The rise of 14.2 percentage points was the largest increase of all broad religious groups in Somerset West and Taunton. Because the census question about religious affiliation is voluntary and has varying response rates, caution is needed when comparing figures between different areas or between censuses.
Across the South West, the percentage of residents who described themselves as having "No religion" increased from 29.3% to 44.1%, while across England the percentage increased from 24.8% to 36.7%.
In 2021, 49.6% of people in Somerset West and Taunton described themselves as Christian (down from 62.9%), while 6.6% did not state their religion (down from 8.0% the decade before).
There are many factors that can cause changes to the religious profile of an area, such as a changing age structure or residents relocating for work or education. Changes may also be caused by differences in the way individuals chose to self-identify between censuses. Religious affiliation is the religion with which someone connects or identifies, rather than their beliefs or religious practice.
Read the bulletin Religion, England and Wales: Census 2021.In 2021, 41.9% of usual residents in Somerset West and Taunton reported having "No religion"
Percentage of usual residents
by religion,
| No religion | 27.7 | 41.9 | 29.3 | 44.1 | 24.8 | 36.7 | 27.7%
41.9% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian | 62.9 | 49.6 | 60.4 | 46.2 | 59.4 | 46.3 | 62.9%
49.6% |
| Buddhist | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.3%
0.3% |
| Hindu | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 0.1%
0.3% |
| Jewish | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.1%
0.1% |
| Muslim | 0.3 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 5.0 | 6.7 | 0.3%
0.6% |
| Sikh | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.0%
0.0% |
| Other | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.5%
0.6% |
| Not answered | 8.0 | 6.6 | 7.9 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 6.0 | 8.0%
6.6% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Somerset West and Taunton residents' country of birth
In the latest census, around 137,900 Somerset West and Taunton residents said they were born in England. This represented 87.6% of the local population. The figure has risen from just under 130,200 in 2011, which at the time represented 89.9% of Somerset West and Taunton's population.
Wales was the next most represented, with around 2,600 Somerset West and Taunton residents reporting this country of birth (1.7%). This figure was down from around 2,700 in 2011, which at the time represented 1.8% of the population of Somerset West and Taunton.
The number of Somerset West and Taunton residents born in Poland rose from just over 1,600 in 2011 (1.1% of the local population) to around 2,000 in 2021 (1.3%).
In 2021, 87.6% of Somerset West and Taunton residents reported their country of birth as England
Percentage of usual residents
by country of birth,
| England | 89.9 | 87.6 | 88.6 | 86.4 | 83.5 | 80.3 | 89.9%
87.6% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wales | 1.8 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 1.8%
1.7% |
| Poland | 1.1 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 1.1%
1.3% |
| Scotland | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 1.2%
1.1% |
| Romania | 0.1 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 0.1%
0.8% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
Notes:
- This chart shows the five most common countries of birth in Somerset West and Taunton in 2021
- Please see the data dictionary for further detail on country of birth groupings
| |
National identity in Somerset West and Taunton
In 2021, 5.8% of Somerset West and Taunton residents did not identify with any national identity associated with the UK. This figure increased from 3.8% in 2011.
In 2021, 1.3% of residents identified with a UK and non-UK national identity, compared with 0.5% in 2011. The percentage of residents in Somerset West and Taunton that identified as "British only" increased from 14.8% to 54.2%.
The increase in the percentage of people who did not identify with any national identity associated with the UK was greater in Somerset West and Taunton (2.0 percentage points) than across the South West (1.7 percentage points, from 4.4% to 6.1%). Across England, the percentage increased by 1.7 percentage points, from 8.2% to 10.0%.
In Census 2021, “British” was moved to the top response option and this may have influenced how people described their national identity. For further information, please see our quality report.
The percentage of people who did not identify with at least one UK national identity in Somerset West and Taunton increased by 2.0 percentage points
Percentage of usual residents
by national identity,
| British only identity | 14.8 | 54.2 | 16.0 | 55.5 | 19.2 | 56.8 | 14.8%
54.2% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welsh only identity | 1.0 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 1.0%
0.6% |
| Welsh and British only identity | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.2%
0.3% |
| English only identity | 67.5 | 18.8 | 64.5 | 16.9 | 60.4 | 15.3 | 67.5%
18.8% |
| English and British only identity | 10.8 | 18.1 | 10.2 | 15.9 | 9.1 | 14.3 | 10.8%
18.1% |
| Any other combination of only UK identities | 1.5 | 1.0 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 1.5%
1.0% |
| Non-UK identity only | 3.8 | 5.8 | 4.4 | 6.1 | 8.2 | 10.0 | 3.8%
5.8% |
| UK identity and non-UK identity | 0.5 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 2.0 | 0.5%
1.3% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Family in Somerset West and Taunton
Of Somerset West and Taunton households, 18.6% included a couple but no children in 2021, down from 19.8% in 2011.
In 2021, just over one in six households (16.8%) included a couple with dependent children, compared with 18.1% in 2011. The percentage of single family households including a couple living with only non-dependent children increased from 5.3% to 5.7%.
The decrease in the percentage of households including a couple but no children in Somerset West and Taunton (1.2 percentage points) was similar to the decrease across the South West (1.2 percentage points, from 19.7% to 18.5%). Across England, the percentage fell by 0.9 percentage points, from 17.6% to 16.8%.
The percentage of households including a couple without children in Somerset West and Taunton decreased by 1.2 percentage points
Percentage of households
by household composition,
| One-person household: Aged 66 years and over (Aged 65 years and over in 2011) | 15.9 | 16.4 | 13.8 | 14.6 | 12.4 | 12.8 | 15.9%
16.4% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-person household: Other | 15.1 | 15.6 | 16.5 | 15.7 | 17.9 | 17.3 | 15.1%
15.6% |
| Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: No children | 19.8 | 18.6 | 19.7 | 18.5 | 17.6 | 16.8 | 19.8%
18.6% |
| Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: With dependent children | 18.1 | 16.8 | 18.6 | 17.9 | 19.3 | 18.9 | 18.1%
16.8% |
| Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: All children non-dependent | 5.3 | 5.7 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 5.3%
5.7% |
| Single-family household: Lone-parent household | 8.4 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 10.6 | 11.1 | 8.4%
8.7% |
| Other household types | 17.4 | 18.3 | 16.9 | 18.3 | 16.1 | 16.9 | 17.4%
18.3% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
More adults never married or in a civil partnership
Of Somerset West and Taunton residents aged 16 years and over, 30.9% said they had never been married or in a civil partnership in 2021, up from 28.2% in 2011.
In 2021, just under one in two people (48.3%) said they were married or in a registered civil partnership, compared with 50.5% in 2011. The percentage of adults in Somerset West and Taunton that had divorced or dissolved a civil partnership increased from 10.4% to 11.0%.
The increase in the percentage of people aged 16 years and over who had never been married or in a civil partnership was greater across the South West (3.5 percentage points, from 31.1% to 34.7%) than in Somerset West and Taunton (2.7 percentage points). Across England, the percentage increased by 3.3 percentage points, from 34.6% to 37.9%.
These figures include same-sex marriages and opposite-sex civil partnerships in 2021, neither of which were legally recognised in England and Wales in 2011. Same-sex marriages have been legally recognised in England and Wales since 2014 and opposite-sex civil partnerships have been recognised since 2019.
The percentage of adults who had never married or registered a civil partnership in Somerset West and Taunton increased by 2.7 percentage points
Percentage of usual residents aged 16 years and over
by legal partnership status,
| Never married and never registered a civil partnership | 28.2 | 30.9 | 31.1 | 34.7 | 34.6 | 37.9 | 28.2%
30.9% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Married or in a registered civil partnership | 50.5 | 48.3 | 49.2 | 46.5 | 46.8 | 44.7 | 50.5%
48.3% |
| Separated, but still legally married or still legally in a civil partnership | 2.4 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 2.7 | 2.2 | 2.4%
2.3% |
| Divorced or civil partnership dissolved | 10.4 | 11.0 | 9.8 | 10.1 | 9.0 | 9.1 | 10.4%
11.0% |
| Widowed or surviving civil partnership partner | 8.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 6.1 | 8.5%
7.5% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Change in employment
Of Somerset West and Taunton residents aged 16 years and over, 54.7% said they were employed (excluding full-time students) in 2021, down from 56.6% in 2011.
In 2021, just under 1 in 50 people (1.9%) said they were unemployed, compared with 2.4% in 2011. The percentage of retired Somerset West and Taunton residents increased from 27.5% to 29.1%.
The decrease in the percentage of people aged 16 years and over (excluding full-time students) who were employed in Somerset West and Taunton (1.9 percentage points) was similar to the decrease across the South West (1.6 percentage points, from 56.9% to 55.3%). Across England, the percentage fell by 0.8 percentage points, from 56.5% to 55.7%.
Census 2021 took place during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a period of rapid and unparalleled change; the national lockdown, associated guidance and furlough measures will have affected the labour market and our ability to measure it.
The percentage of people aged 16 years and over who were employed (excluding full-time students) in Somerset West and Taunton decreased by 1.9 percentage points
Percentage of usual residents aged 16 years and over
by economic activity status,
| Economically active (excluding full-time students): In employment | 56.6 | 54.7 | 56.9 | 55.3 | 56.5 | 55.7 | 56.6%
54.7% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economically active (excluding full-time students): Unemployed | 2.4 | 1.9 | 2.9 | 2.1 | 4.0 | 2.9 | 2.4%
1.9% |
| Economically active and a full-time student: In employment | 1.9 | 1.2 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 2.4 | 1.7 | 1.9%
1.2% |
| Economically active and a full-time student: Unemployed | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.4%
0.3% |
| Economically inactive: Retired | 27.5 | 29.1 | 24.7 | 25.6 | 21.2 | 21.5 | 27.5%
29.1% |
| Economically inactive: Student | 3.2 | 3.1 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 | 5.6 | 3.2%
3.1% |
| Economically inactive: Looking after home or family | 3.0 | 3.5 | 3.3 | 3.7 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 3.0%
3.5% |
| Economically inactive: Long-term sick or disabled | 3.4 | 3.9 | 3.3 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 3.4%
3.9% |
| Economically inactive: Other | 1.5 | 2.3 | 1.7 | 2.5 | 2.2 | 3.1 | 1.5%
2.3% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Change in work hours
In 2021, 10.9% of Somerset West and Taunton residents aged 16 years and over and in employment said they worked 15 hours or less per week. This figure increased from 10.4% in 2011.
In 2021, just under one in eight people (11.9%) said they worked over 49 hours per week, compared with 13.9% in 2011. The percentage of adults in employment working 31 to 48 hours per week increased from 53.9% to 55.8%.
The increase in the percentage of people aged 16 years and over and in employment who said they usually worked 15 hours or less per week in Somerset West and Taunton (0.5 percentage points) was similar to the increase across the South West (0.5 percentage points, from 10.8% to 11.3%). Across England, the percentage increased by 0.6 percentage points, from 9.7% to 10.3%.
Working hours may have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The percentage of adults who worked 15 hours or less in Somerset West and Taunton increased by 0.5 percentage points
Percentage of usual residents aged 16 years and over and in employment
by the number of hours worked per week,
| 15 hours or less worked | 10.4 | 10.9 | 10.8 | 11.3 | 9.7 | 10.3 | 10.4%
10.9% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 to 30 hours worked | 21.8 | 21.3 | 20.7 | 21.0 | 19.5 | 19.5 | 21.8%
21.3% |
| 31 to 48 hours worked | 53.9 | 55.8 | 55.2 | 57.0 | 57.5 | 59.1 | 53.9%
55.8% |
| 49 or more hours worked | 13.9 | 11.9 | 13.3 | 10.8 | 13.3 | 11.1 | 13.9%
11.9% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Change in housing in Somerset West and Taunton
Of Somerset West and Taunton households, 65.4% owned their home in 2021, down from 66.9% in 2011.
In 2021, just under one in five households (18.4%) rented privately, compared with 15.6% in 2011. The percentage of Somerset West and Taunton households that lived in a socially rented property decreased from 15.4% to 15.2%.
The decrease in the percentage of households that owned their home in Somerset West and Taunton (1.5 percentage points) was similar to the decrease across the South West (1.6 percentage points, from 67.4% to 65.9%). Across England, the percentage fell by 2.0 percentage points, from 63.3% to 61.3%.
The rate of home ownership in Somerset West and Taunton decreased by 1.5 percentage points
Percentage of households
by housing tenure,
| Owns outright or with a mortgage or loan | 66.9 | 65.4 | 67.4 | 65.9 | 63.3 | 61.3 | 66.9%
65.4% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared ownership | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 0.5%
0.9% |
| Social rented | 15.4 | 15.2 | 13.3 | 13.3 | 17.7 | 17.1 | 15.4%
15.2% |
| Private rented | 15.6 | 18.4 | 17.1 | 19.7 | 16.8 | 20.5 | 15.6%
18.4% |
| Lives rent free | 1.7 | 0.1 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 1.7%
0.1% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Disability in Somerset West and Taunton
In 2021, 6.9% of Somerset West and Taunton residents were identified as being disabled and limited a lot. This figure decreased from 7.9% in 2011. These are age-standardised proportions.
Age-standardised proportions are used throughout this section. They enable comparisons between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure.
In 2021, just under one in nine people (10.8%) were identified as being disabled and limited a little, compared with 10.0% in 2011. The proportion of Somerset West and Taunton residents who were not disabled increased from 82.1% to 82.4%.
The decrease in the proportion of residents who were identified as being disabled and limited a lot in Somerset West and Taunton (1.0 percentage points) was similar to the decrease across the South West (1.1 percentage points, from 8.1% to 7.0%). Across England, the proportion fell by 1.6 percentage points, from 9.1% to 7.5%.
Census 2021 was undertaken during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This may have influenced how people perceived their health status and activity limitations, and therefore may have affected how people chose to respond.
Caution should be taken when making comparisons between 2011 and 2021 because of changes in question wording and response options.
The percentage of people who were identified as being disabled and limited a lot in Somerset West and Taunton decreased by 1.0 percentage points
Age-standardised proportion of usual residents
by long-term health condition or illness,
| Disabled and limited a lot | 7.9 | 6.9 | 8.1 | 7.0 | 9.1 | 7.5 | 7.9%
6.9% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled and limited a little | 10.0 | 10.8 | 10.1 | 10.8 | 10.2 | 10.2 | 10.0%
10.8% |
| Not disabled | 82.1 | 82.4 | 81.9 | 82.2 | 80.7 | 82.3 | 82.1%
82.4% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
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Health in Somerset West and Taunton
In 2021, 48.4% of Somerset West and Taunton residents described their health as "very good", increasing from 47.0% in 2011. Those describing their health as "good" fell from 35.0% to 34.5%. These are age-standardised proportions.
Age-standardised proportions are used throughout this section. They enable comparisons between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure.
The proportion of Somerset West and Taunton residents describing their health as "very bad" was 0.9% (similar to 2011), while those describing their health as "bad" was 3.7% (similar to 2011).
These data reflect people’s own opinions in describing their overall health on a five point scale, from very good to very bad.
Census 2021 was conducted during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This may have influenced how people perceived and rated their health, and therefore may have affected how people chose to respond.
The percentage of people in very good health in Somerset West and Taunton increased by 1.4 percentage points
Age-standardised proportion of usual residents
by self-reported health,
| Very good health | 47.0 | 48.4 | 46.8 | 48.7 | 45.0 | 47.5 | 47.0%
48.4% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good health | 35.0 | 34.5 | 34.8 | 34.1 | 34.8 | 34.2 | 35.0%
34.5% |
| Fair health | 13.2 | 12.5 | 13.3 | 12.5 | 14.2 | 13.0 | 13.2%
12.5% |
| Bad health | 3.8 | 3.7 | 4.0 | 3.7 | 4.6 | 4.1 | 3.8%
3.7% |
| Very bad health | 1.0 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 1.0%
0.9% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Ethnic groups in Somerset West and Taunton
In 2021, 2.0% of Somerset West and Taunton residents identified their ethnic group within the "Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh" category, up from 1.2% in 2011. The 0.8 percentage-point change was the largest increase among high-level ethnic groups in this area.
Across the South West, the percentage of people from the "Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh" ethnic group increased from 2.0% to 2.8%, while across England the percentage increased from 7.8% to 9.6%.
In 2021, 95.6% of people in Somerset West and Taunton identified their ethnic group within the "White" category (compared with 97.6% in 2011), while 1.3% identified their ethnic group within the "Mixed or Multiple" category (compared with 0.8% the previous decade).
The percentage of people who identified their ethnic group within the "Other" category ("Arab" or "Any other ethnic group") increased from 0.1% in 2011 to 0.5% in 2021.
There are many factors that may be contributing to the changing ethnic composition of England and Wales, such as differing patterns of ageing, fertility, mortality, and migration. Changes may also be caused by differences in the way individuals chose to self-identify between censuses.
Read the bulletin Ethnic group, England and Wales: Census 2021.In 2021, 2.0% of usual residents in Somerset West and Taunton identified their ethnic group within the "Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh" category
Percentage of usual residents
by ethnic group,
| Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh | 1.2 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.8 | 7.8 | 9.6 | 1.2%
2.0% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 3.5 | 4.2 | 0.2%
0.5% |
| Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups | 0.8 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 3.0 | 0.8%
1.3% |
| White | 97.6 | 95.6 | 95.4 | 93.1 | 85.4 | 81.0 | 97.6%
95.6% |
| Other ethnic groups | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 0.1%
0.5% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
About the data
Census data are adjusted to reflect estimated non-response so that the published results relate to the entire usually resident population as it was on Census Day (21 March 2021).
Those respondents who were on furlough because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic were asked to classify themselves as "temporarily away from work" to ensure they remained in the economically active population.
Students are counted as usually resident at their term-time address even if they were not physically present there on Census Day.
The questions relating to disability differed slightly between 2011 and 2021 to ensure that data were more closely aligned with the definition of disability in the Equality Act (2010). There was also a change to question wording for unpaid care, for more information read the health, disability and unpaid care quality information.
Age-standardised proportions are used throughout the health, disability and unpaid care sections. They allow for fairer comparisons between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure. The 2013 European Standard Population is used to standardise proportions.
Percentages and percentage point changes have been individually rounded to one decimal place. This means they may not sum exactly.
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Download the data used in this article
xlsx (1.5 MB)About these articles
There is an article like this for every local authority district in England and Wales. The articles have been written and semi-automated by our data journalists and are a new publishing format for the Office for National Statistics.
Topics are chosen and ordered automatically based on how relevant they are for each area, however all data are checked before publishing.
We have not included topics that were new for Census 2021 or where there is no comparability with the 2011 Census. Read about how we developed and tested the questions for Census 2021.
These articles were first published on 8 December 2022 covering topics such as demography, country of birth, ethnic groups, religion, national identity and economic activity status. They were updated on 19 January 2023 following the release of more data from Census 2021 and now include housing tenure, general health, disability and unpaid care.
Related links
Supporting information | Released 2 November 2022
What topic summary data for Census 2021 will be available and how to view them.
Interactive tool | Released 8 December 2022
Use our interactive map to find out what people’s lives are like across England and Wales.
How well do you know your area?
Digital Content Article | Released 2 December 2022
Test your knowledge of where you live with our Census quiz.
Contact
census.customerservices@ons.gov.ukTelephone: +44 1329 44 4972