Census figures for Newry, Mourne and Down

Further figures from the 2021 NI Census have been released this morning and here we look at the statistics for Newry, Mourne and Down rather than Northern Ireland as a whole.

Population increase

For the Newry, Mourne and Down area figures show that out area has a population of 182,074 up 6.1% since 2011. The area has 68,397 households, a 10.3% rise since 2011. 

Identity 

47% of the population regard themselves as Irish only (41% in 2011) while 17% are British only (24% in 2011)

21% regard themselves as Northern Irish only (25% in 2011) while 6% have another national identity (5% in 2011)

81% have no ability in Irish (84% in 2011) while 19% have some ability (16% in 2011)

93% have no ability in Ulster Scots (96% in 2011) while 7% have some ability (4% in 2011)

Religion

72% of Newry, Mourne and Down regard themselves as Catholic, the same as 2011 while 22% regard themselves as Protestant and other Christian religions, compared to 24% in 2011. Just 1% are other religions while 5% regard themselves as having no religion, up from 3% in 2011.

Ageing Population

Age demographics show that 40-64 year olds are the largest age sector at 32%, roughly the same as 2011 31%. The population is ageing with the 65 plus  grouping at 17% increasing from 13% in 2011. 0-14 year old stayed stable at 21% while 15-39 saw a decrease from 30% in 2021 compared to 34% in 2011.

Passports

Passport holders in Newry, Mourne and Down are:

Ireland only 42% compared to 31% in 2011

UK only 31% compared to 44% in 2011

UK and Ireland 5% compared to 2% in 2011

Other Passports 5% compared to 3% in 2011.

16% of the population have no passport.