The population passed 360,000
Between the last two censuses (held in 2011 and 2021), the population of Cardiff increased by 4.7%, from just under 346,100 in 2011 to around 362,300 in 2021.
This means Cardiff's population saw the second-greatest increase in Wales, behind Newport (where the population increased by 9.5%). The population of Wales increased by 1.4%, from 3,063,000 to 3,107,000.
In 2021, Cardiff was home to around 18.4 people per football pitch-sized piece of land, compared with 17.5 in 2011. This area was the most densely populated out of all 22 local authority areas across Wales.
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 Cardiff than across Wales
Percentage population change, Cardiff and surrounding areas, 2011 Census to Census 2021
Wales ▲1.4% Cardiff ▲4.7%| -2 | -0.5 | 0.5 | +2 | +8 | +16% |
Save as image (PNG <200KB) | Download the data (CSV <100KB) |
Median age in Cardiff
Between the last two censuses, the average (median) age of Cardiff increased by one year, from 33 to 34 years of age.
This area had a lower average (median) age than nearby the Vale of Glamorgan (44 years) and the lowest average (median) age in Wales.
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 under 6,200 (an increase of 27.2%), while the number of residents aged 4 years and under fell by just over 3,300 (14.8% decrease).
The share of residents aged between 65 and 74 years increased by 1.4 percentage points between 2011 and 2021
Percentage of usual residents
by age group,
| 85 years and over | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 2.0%
2.0% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 to 84 years | 4.6 | 4.6 | 6.1 | 7.1 | 6.1 | 7.1 | 4.6%
4.6% |
| 65 to 74 years | 6.6 | 8.0 | 9.8 | 11.6 | 9.8 | 11.6 | 6.6%
8.0% |
| 50 to 64 years | 15.6 | 16.5 | 19.4 | 20.5 | 19.4 | 20.5 | 15.6%
16.5% |
| 35 to 49 years | 19.4 | 18.6 | 20.1 | 17.6 | 20.1 | 17.6 | 19.4%
18.6% |
| 25 to 34 years | 16.1 | 15.5 | 11.8 | 12.3 | 11.8 | 12.3 | 16.1%
15.5% |
| 20 to 24 years | 11.2 | 10.5 | 6.9 | 6.0 | 6.9 | 6.0 | 11.2%
10.5% |
| 16 to 19 years | 6.3 | 6.2 | 5.3 | 4.6 | 5.3 | 4.6 | 6.3%
6.2% |
| 10 to 15 years | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 6.5%
7.0% |
| 5 to 9 years | 5.2 | 5.9 | 5.3 | 5.7 | 5.3 | 5.7 | 5.2%
5.9% |
| 4 years and under | 6.5 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 | 6.5%
5.3% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Rise in proportion of Welsh speakers
The percentage of Welsh speakers in Cardiff increased from 11.1% in 2011 to 12.2% in 2021.
This was the largest increase in the percentage of Welsh speakers of any local authority area in the country. The next largest increase was seen in Vale of Glamorgan (from 10.8% in 2011 to 11.5% in 2021), while Carmarthenshire saw the largest decline (from 43.9% to 39.9%).
In 2021, there were just over 6,000 more Welsh-speaking Cardiff residents (over the age of three years) compared with 2011. The number of people who did not speak Welsh increased by 12,900. Across Wales, the percentage of Welsh speakers fell from 19.0% to 17.8%.
The percentage of people who could speak Welsh in Cardiff increased by 1.1 percentage points
Percentage of people aged three years and over
by ability to speak Welsh,
| Cannot speak Welsh | 88.9 | 87.8 | 81.0 | 82.2 | 81.0 | 82.2 | 88.9%
87.8% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Can speak Welsh | 11.1 | 12.2 | 19.0 | 17.8 | 19.0 | 17.8 | 11.1%
12.2% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Religion in Cardiff
In 2021, 42.9% of Cardiff residents reported having "No religion", making it the most common response in this local authority area (up from 31.8% in 2011). 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 Wales, the percentage of residents who described themselves as having "No religion" increased from 32.1% to 46.5%.
In 2021, 38.3% of people in Cardiff described themselves as Christian (down from 51.4%), while 9.3% described themselves as Muslim (up from 6.8% 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, 42.9% of usual residents in Cardiff reported having "No religion"
Percentage of usual residents
by religion,
| No religion | 31.8 | 42.9 | 32.1 | 46.5 | 32.1 | 46.5 | 31.8%
42.9% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian | 51.4 | 38.3 | 57.6 | 43.6 | 57.6 | 43.6 | 51.4%
38.3% |
| Buddhist | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.5%
0.4% |
| Hindu | 1.4 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 1.4%
1.5% |
| Jewish | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.2%
0.2% |
| Muslim | 6.8 | 9.3 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 6.8%
9.3% |
| Sikh | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.4%
0.4% |
| Other | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.4%
0.6% |
| Not answered | 7.2 | 6.3 | 7.6 | 6.3 | 7.6 | 6.3 | 7.2%
6.3% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Cardiff residents' country of birth
In the latest census, around 234,800 Cardiff residents said they were born in Wales. This represented 64.8% of the local population. The figure has decreased from just under 237,700 in 2011, which at the time represented 68.7% of Cardiff's population.
England was the next most represented, with around 64,000 Cardiff residents reporting this country of birth (17.7%). This figure was up from just over 58,300 in 2011, which at the time represented 16.9% of the population of Cardiff.
The number of Cardiff residents born in India rose from around 4,700 in 2011 (1.4% of the local population) to just over 5,100 in 2021 (1.4%).
In 2021, 64.8% of Cardiff residents reported their country of birth as Wales
Percentage of usual residents
by country of birth,
| Wales | 68.7 | 64.8 | 72.7 | 70.9 | 72.7 | 70.9 | 68.7%
64.8% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 16.9 | 17.7 | 20.8 | 21.2 | 20.8 | 21.2 | 16.9%
17.7% |
| India | 1.4 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 1.4%
1.4% |
| Middle East (other than Iran and Iraq) | 0.8 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.8%
1.1% |
| Pakistan | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.8%
0.9% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
Notes:
- This chart shows the five most common countries of birth in Cardiff in 2021
- Please see the data dictionary for further detail on country of birth groupings
| |
Marriage and civil partnership in Cardiff
Of Cardiff residents aged 16 years and over, 36.8% said they were married or in a registered civil partnership in 2021, down from 38.7% in 2011.
In 2021, just under one in two people (48.6%) said they had never been married or in a civil partnership, compared with 45.0% in 2011. The percentage of adults in Cardiff that had divorced or dissolved a civil partnership decreased from 8.2% to 7.8%.
This area had the country's lowest percentage of people aged 16 years and over who were married (or in a civil partnership) and the highest percentage of people aged 16 years and over who had never been married or in a civil partnership. Blaenau Gwent had Wales' next-lowest percentage of people aged 16 years and over who were married (or in a civil partnership) (41.0%), while Monmouthshire had the country's highest percentage (51.3%).
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 were married or in a civil partnership in Cardiff decreased by 1.9 percentage points
Percentage of usual residents aged 16 years and over
by legal partnership status,
| Never married and never registered a civil partnership | 45.0 | 48.6 | 33.5 | 37.2 | 33.5 | 37.2 | 45.0%
48.6% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Married or in a registered civil partnership | 38.7 | 36.8 | 46.7 | 43.8 | 46.7 | 43.8 | 38.7%
36.8% |
| Separated, but still legally married or still legally in a civil partnership | 2.1 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 2.1%
1.8% |
| Divorced or civil partnership dissolved | 8.2 | 7.8 | 9.7 | 9.9 | 9.7 | 9.9 | 8.2%
7.8% |
| Widowed or surviving civil partnership partner | 6.0 | 5.0 | 7.9 | 7.1 | 7.9 | 7.1 | 6.0%
5.0% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Ethnic groups in Cardiff
In 2021, 9.7% of Cardiff residents identified their ethnic group within the "Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh" category, up from 8.1% in 2011. The 1.6 percentage-point change was the largest increase among high-level ethnic groups in this area.
Across Wales, the percentage of people from the "Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh" ethnic group increased from 2.3% to 2.9%.
In 2021, 79.2% of people in Cardiff identified their ethnic group within the "White" category (compared with 84.7% in 2011), while 4.0% identified their ethnic group within the "Mixed or Multiple" category (compared with 2.9% the previous decade).
The percentage of people who identified their ethnic group within the "Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African" category increased from 2.4% in 2011 to 3.8% 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, 9.7% of usual residents in Cardiff 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 | 8.1 | 9.7 | 2.3 | 2.9 | 2.3 | 2.9 | 8.1%
9.7% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African | 2.4 | 3.8 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 2.4%
3.8% |
| Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups | 2.9 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 2.9%
4.0% |
| White | 84.7 | 79.2 | 95.6 | 93.8 | 95.6 | 93.8 | 84.7%
79.2% |
| Other ethnic groups | 2.0 | 3.3 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 2.0%
3.3% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
National identity in Cardiff
Cardiff saw Wales' third-largest percentage-point fall in the proportion of people who identified as "Welsh only" (from 50.4% in 2011 to 46.7% in 2021).
Wales' largest decreases in the percentage of people who identified as "Welsh only" occurred in Newport (from 55.5% to 50.9%) followed by Blaenau Gwent (from 72.4% to 68.0%).
In 2021, Cardiff was ranked 17th-highest out of the 22 Welsh local authority areas for the percentage of people who identified as "Welsh only". In 2011, it was ranked 16th-lowest.
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 identified as "Welsh only" in Cardiff decreased by 3.7 percentage points
Percentage of usual residents
by national identity,
| British only identity | 21.1 | 21.8 | 16.9 | 18.5 | 16.9 | 18.5 | 21.1%
21.8% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welsh only identity | 50.4 | 46.7 | 57.5 | 55.2 | 57.5 | 55.2 | 50.4%
46.7% |
| Welsh and British only identity | 8.2 | 8.6 | 7.1 | 8.1 | 7.1 | 8.1 | 8.2%
8.6% |
| English only identity | 7.5 | 6.5 | 11.2 | 9.1 | 11.2 | 9.1 | 7.5%
6.5% |
| English and British only identity | 1.7 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.7%
2.0% |
| Any other combination of only UK identities | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.6%
1.8% |
| Non-UK identity only | 8.5 | 10.0 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 8.5%
10.0% |
| UK identity and non-UK identity | 1.0 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 1.0%
2.5% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Unpaid care in Cardiff
In 2021, 4.5% of Cardiff residents (aged five years and over) reported providing up to 19 hours of unpaid care each week. This figure decreased from 7.4% 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.
During this period, Cardiff went from having the 10th-highest to the joint fourth-lowest proportion of people (aged five years and over) providing up to 19 hours of weekly unpaid care (alongside Isle of Anglesey, Wrexham and Rhondda Cynon Taf) (out of all 22 Welsh local authority areas).
The decrease in the proportion of people (aged five years and over) providing up to 19 hours of weekly unpaid care was greater in nearby the Vale of Glamorgan (3.2 percentage points) than in Cardiff (2.9 percentage points). In nearby the Vale of Glamorgan, the proportion fell from 8.3% in 2011 to 5.1% in 2021, while across Wales, the proportion fell from 7.4% 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 Cardiff decreased by 2.9 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 | 87.7 | 90.6 | 87.0 | 89.5 | 87.0 | 89.5 | 87.7%
90.6% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 19 hours of unpaid care | 7.4 | 4.5 | 7.4 | 4.7 | 7.4 | 4.7 | 7.4%
4.5% |
| 20 to 49 hours of unpaid care | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 2.2 | 1.7%
1.9% |
| 50 or more hours of unpaid care | 3.2 | 2.9 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.2%
2.9% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Family in Cardiff
Of Cardiff households, 17.5% included a couple with dependent children in 2021, the same percentage as in 2011.
In 2021, Cardiff was ranked eighth-highest out of the 22 Welsh local authority areas for the percentage of households including a couple with dependent children. In 2011, it was ranked 17th-lowest.
The percentage of households including a couple with dependent children fell from 20.0% to 18.7% in nearby the Vale of Glamorgan. Across Wales, the percentage fell from 18.4% to 16.9%.
In 2021, 17.5% of households included a couple with dependent children in Cardiff
Percentage of households
by household composition,
| One-person household: Aged 66 years and over (Aged 65 years and over in 2011) | 10.8 | 11.2 | 13.7 | 14.6 | 13.7 | 14.6 | 10.8%
11.2% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-person household: Other | 22.2 | 21.0 | 17.1 | 17.3 | 17.1 | 17.3 | 22.2%
21.0% |
| Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: No children | 16.0 | 15.8 | 17.2 | 16.5 | 17.2 | 16.5 | 16.0%
15.8% |
| Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: With dependent children | 17.5 | 17.5 | 18.4 | 16.9 | 18.4 | 16.9 | 17.5%
17.5% |
| Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: All children non-dependent | 5.3 | 5.5 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 5.3%
5.5% |
| Single-family household: Lone-parent household | 11.1 | 12.3 | 11.4 | 12.0 | 11.4 | 12.0 | 11.1%
12.3% |
| Other household types | 17.1 | 16.7 | 15.4 | 15.8 | 15.4 | 15.8 | 17.1%
16.7% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Change in employment
Of Cardiff residents aged 16 years and over, 51.1% said they were employed (excluding full-time students) in 2021, down from 52.5% in 2011.
In 2021, Cardiff was ranked 14th-highest out of the 22 Welsh local authority areas for the percentage of people aged 16 years and over who were employed (excluding full-time students). In 2011, it was ranked 10th-highest.
The decrease in the percentage of people aged 16 years and over (excluding full-time students) who were employed in Cardiff (1.4 percentage points) was similar to the decrease in nearby the Vale of Glamorgan (1.5 percentage points). In nearby the Vale of Glamorgan, the percentage fell from 56.0% in 2011 to 54.6% in 2021, while across Wales, the percentage fell from 52.5% to 51.9%.
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 Cardiff decreased by 1.4 percentage points
Percentage of usual residents aged 16 years and over
by economic activity status,
| Economically active (excluding full-time students): In employment | 52.5 | 51.1 | 52.5 | 51.9 | 52.5 | 51.9 | 52.5%
51.1% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economically active (excluding full-time students): Unemployed | 4.1 | 2.8 | 3.9 | 2.5 | 3.9 | 2.5 | 4.1%
2.8% |
| Economically active and a full-time student: In employment | 4.1 | 3.0 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 4.1%
3.0% |
| Economically active and a full-time student: Unemployed | 1.3 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 1.3%
1.4% |
| Economically inactive: Retired | 16.9 | 16.9 | 24.0 | 24.7 | 24.0 | 24.7 | 16.9%
16.9% |
| Economically inactive: Student | 10.0 | 12.1 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 10.0%
12.1% |
| Economically inactive: Looking after home or family | 3.7 | 4.6 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 3.7%
4.6% |
| Economically inactive: Long-term sick or disabled | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.0%
5.0% |
| Economically inactive: Other | 2.4 | 3.1 | 2.1 | 2.9 | 2.1 | 2.9 | 2.4%
3.1% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Fewer adults working long hours
In 2021, 8.4% of Cardiff residents aged 16 years and over and in employment said they worked over 49 hours per week. This figure decreased from 10.7% in 2011.
In 2021, just under one in nine people (10.6%) said they worked 15 hours or less per week, compared with 10.5% in 2011. The percentage of adults in employment working 31 to 48 hours per week increased from 59.2% to 60.9%.
This area had the country's second lowest percentage of people aged 16 years and over and in employment who said they usually worked over 49 hours per week and the third highest percentage of people aged 16 years and over and in employment who said they usually worked 15 hours or less per week. Across the country, only Blaenau Gwent, with 8.3%, had a lower percentage that worked over 49 hours per week.
Working hours may have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The percentage of adults in employment who worked 49 hours or more in Cardiff decreased by 2.3 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 | 10.5 | 10.6 | 9.3 | 9.0 | 9.3 | 9.0 | 10.5%
10.6% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 to 30 hours worked | 19.6 | 20.2 | 21.0 | 20.9 | 21.0 | 20.9 | 19.6%
20.2% |
| 31 to 48 hours worked | 59.2 | 60.9 | 57.8 | 59.8 | 57.8 | 59.8 | 59.2%
60.9% |
| 49 or more hours worked | 10.7 | 8.4 | 11.9 | 10.2 | 11.9 | 10.2 | 10.7%
8.4% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Change in housing in Cardiff
Of Cardiff households, 58.0% owned their home in 2021, down from 59.1% in 2011.
In 2021, just under one in four households (24.3%) rented privately, compared with 21.9% in 2011. The percentage of Cardiff households that lived in a socially rented property increased from 17.1% to 17.2%.
This area had the country's lowest percentage of households that owned their home and the highest percentage of privately-rented homes. Blaenau Gwent had Wales' next-lowest percentage of households that owned their home (60.1%), while Monmouthshire and Vale of Glamorgan had the country's joint highest percentage (71.9%).
The rate of home ownership in Cardiff decreased by 1.1 percentage points
Percentage of households
by housing tenure,
| Owns outright or with a mortgage or loan | 59.1 | 58.0 | 67.4 | 66.1 | 67.4 | 66.1 | 59.1%
58.0% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared ownership | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.4%
0.3% |
| Social rented | 17.1 | 17.2 | 16.5 | 16.5 | 16.5 | 16.5 | 17.1%
17.2% |
| Private rented | 21.9 | 24.3 | 14.1 | 17.0 | 14.1 | 17.0 | 21.9%
24.3% |
| Lives rent free | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 1.4%
0.3% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Disability in Cardiff
In 2021, 9.5% of Cardiff residents were identified as being disabled and limited a lot. This figure decreased from 11.6% 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, Cardiff was ranked 12th-highest out of the 22 Welsh local authority areas for the proportion of people who were identified as being disabled and limited a lot. In 2011, it was ranked 11th-highest.
The decrease in the proportion of residents who were identified as being disabled and limited a lot was greater in Cardiff (2.1 percentage points) than in nearby the Vale of Glamorgan (1.6 percentage points). In nearby the Vale of Glamorgan, the proportion fell from 10.2% in 2011 to 8.6% in 2021, while across Wales, the proportion fell from 12.3% to 10.0%.
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 Cardiff decreased by 2.1 percentage points
Age-standardised proportion of usual residents
by long-term health condition or illness,
| Disabled and limited a lot | 11.6 | 9.5 | 12.3 | 10.0 | 12.3 | 10.0 | 11.6%
9.5% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled and limited a little | 10.7 | 11.0 | 11.1 | 11.1 | 11.1 | 11.1 | 10.7%
11.0% |
| Not disabled | 77.7 | 79.6 | 76.6 | 78.9 | 76.6 | 78.9 | 77.7%
79.6% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Health in Cardiff
In 2021, 46.7% of Cardiff residents described their health as "very good", increasing from 45.4% in 2011. Those describing their health as "good" rose from 31.8% to 32.6%. 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 Cardiff residents describing their health as "very bad" decreased from 2.0% to 1.7%, while those describing their health as "bad" fell from 6.0% to 5.3%.
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 Cardiff increased by 1.3 percentage points
Age-standardised proportion of usual residents
by self-reported health,
| Very good health | 45.4 | 46.7 | 45.7 | 46.6 | 45.7 | 46.6 | 45.4%
46.7% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good health | 31.8 | 32.6 | 31.4 | 32.5 | 31.4 | 32.5 | 31.8%
32.6% |
| Fair health | 14.7 | 13.8 | 15.0 | 14.1 | 15.0 | 14.1 | 14.7%
13.8% |
| Bad health | 6.0 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 5.1 | 6.0%
5.3% |
| Very bad health | 2.0 | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 2.0%
1.7% |
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.
Tell us what you think about this publication by answering a few questions.
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