The Northern Ireland population was estimated to be 1.93 million on June 30, 2024, reflecting an annual increase of 7,500 people (0.4 per cent) on the mid-2023 estimate.
This is one of the findings of new statistics published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).
This annual change is driven by natural growth of 1,900 people (19,800 births minus 17,900 deaths), combined with a net gain of 5,800 people due to migration (28,200 people moving here to live and 22,500 people leaving here to live elsewhere).
The population here continues to age, with the median age of the population (i.e. the age at which half the population is older and half is younger) increasing to 40.3 years – up from 38.1 years 10 years prior in 2014.
The proportion of the population aged 65 or over increased to 18.1 per cent (349,200 people) by mid-2024, with the proportion aged under 16 decreasing to 20.0 per cent (384,700 children). This is in contrast to the position 25 years ago in 1999, when the equivalent proportions for those aged 65 and over and children were 13.1 per cent and 24.3 per cent respectively.
By June 2024 the estimated number of people aged 85 and over living in Northern Ireland had risen to 42,900 people. Over the decade (2014 to 2024) the population aged 85 and over has increased by 24.6 per cent – growing five times faster than the population of Northern Ireland during that period. Females account for nearly two thirds (62.9 per cent) of those aged 85 and over.
The new statistics also point to an estimated 294 centenarians (i.e. those aged 100 years or more) living here. This is equivalent to two centenarians for every 10,000 people living in Northern Ireland.
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 in population at -0.2 per cent. Derry City and Strabane had the largest population growth over the year at 1.0 per cent.
Over the decade (2014 to 2024) all Local Government Districts have grown in population, ranging from 0.4 per cent growth in Causeway Coast and Glens, to 9.0 per cent growth in Lisburn and Castlereagh.
