Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside, North West England. It was founded in the 13th century and is located on the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary.
The current population of Liverpool is 507,915.
In the 19th century, Liverpool’s population exploded, growing from around 85,000 in 1801 to almost 821,000 by 1921. This rapid growth was largely due to its role as a major port, handling a large portion of the trade between Britain and its colonies.
The city’s docks were constantly bustling with activity, and new buildings and neighborhoods sprang up to accommodate the influx of residents. The population boom had a transformational effect on Liverpool, turning it into a bustling metropolis and one of the most important cities in the world.
The Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s caused a massive wave of Irish immigration to Liverpool. As a major port, it offered a gateway to America for those seeking a better life. Although many emigrated, a significant number were unable to afford the Transatlantic crossing and remained in Liverpool. Today, it is estimated that three-quarters of its population has Irish ancestry.
Liverpool lies a few miles north of the Welsh border. Throughout its history, Welsh people have migrated to the city in search of work and opportunity. By the start of the 18th century, the Welsh made up a significant portion of its population.
Irish and Welsh migrants have had a major influence on the city. Their accents combined to give rise to a local accent called Scouse. It is instantly recognizable and is one of the most distinctive accents in the UK.
After the end of World War II, Liverpool experienced negative population growth. By 2001 its population had fallen to around 439,000. As maritime trade declined in the late 20th century, so did Liverpool’s economy. This led to high levels of unemployment, which in turn caused a significant proportion of the population to leave the area.
In the first decades of the 21st century, the city saw a significant increase in its population. This population growth was largely due to the regeneration of the city centre, which has made Liverpool an increasingly attractive place to live and work.
Liverpool is now one of the most visited cities in the UK. Tourists are attracted by its architecture, culture, music scene, and sporting heritage. It is home to two of the world’s most famous football clubs, Liverpool FC and Everton FC. The Beatles, one of the most successful bands of all time, hail from the city. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the oldest and most respected orchestras in the world.
Current Population Statistics
According to data from the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS), the current population of Liverpool is 507,915.
As of , the latest ONS statistics are for 2025.
The table below shows population statistics for Liverpool between 2016 and 2025 split by age group.
| Year | Total Population of Liverpool | Population Aged 0 to 15 | Population Aged 0 to 15 % | Population Aged 16 to 64 | Population Aged 16 to 64 % | Population Aged 65+ | Population Aged 65+ % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 475,486 | 80,941 | 17.02 | 323,590 | 68.05 | 70,955 | 14.92 |
| 2017 | 479,801 | 82,274 | 17.15 | 325,886 | 67.92 | 71,641 | 14.93 |
| 2018 | 483,598 | 83,475 | 17.26 | 327,589 | 67.74 | 72,534 | 15.00 |
| 2019 | 484,687 | 83,945 | 17.32 | 327,213 | 67.51 | 73,529 | 15.17 |
| 2020 | 483,348 | 83,677 | 17.31 | 325,766 | 67.40 | 73,905 | 15.29 |
| 2021 | 485,022 | 83,164 | 17.15 | 326,957 | 67.41 | 74,901 | 15.44 |
| 2022 | 493,854 | 83,769 | 16.96 | 334,183 | 67.67 | 75,902 | 15.37 |
| 2023 | 503,198 | 84,879 | 16.87 | 341,325 | 67.83 | 76,994 | 15.30 |
| 2024 | 508,202 | 85,531 | 16.83 | 344,372 | 67.76 | 78,299 | 15.41 |
| 2025 | 507,915 | 84,623 | 16.66 | 343,584 | 67.65 | 79,708 | 15.69 |
Population Growth
As can be seen from the data in the table above, the population of Liverpool increased from 475,486 in 2016 to 507,915 in 2025.
This represents a population growth rate of 6.82%.
Demographics of Liverpool - Age Groups
In 2016, 80,941 children lived in Liverpool; 17.02% of the total population.
In 2025, 84,623 children lived there, which was 16.66% of the total population. The percentage of children living in Liverpool in recent years has been falling.
In 2016, 323,590 adults lived in Liverpool, representing 68.05% of the total population.
In 2025, 343,584 adults lived there, representing 67.65% of the total population. The percentage of adults living in Liverpool in recent years has been declining.
In 2016, 70,955 elderly people lived in Liverpool, 14.92% of the total population.
In 2025, 79,708 elderly people lived there, or 15.69% of the total population. The percentage of elderly people living in Liverpool in recent years has been increasing.
Demographics of Liverpool - Gender
There are currently more females than males in Liverpool.
247,504 males were living there in 2025 (48.73% of the total).
260,411 females were living there in 2025 (51.27% of the total).
Population statistics by gender for Liverpool between 2016 and 2025 are shown in the table below.
| Date | Total | Males | % | Females | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 475,486 | 233,248 | 49.05 | 242,238 | 50.95 |
| 2017 | 479,801 | 234,883 | 48.95 | 244,918 | 51.05 |
| 2018 | 483,598 | 236,258 | 48.85 | 247,340 | 51.15 |
| 2019 | 484,687 | 237,028 | 48.90 | 247,659 | 51.10 |
| 2020 | 483,348 | 235,889 | 48.80 | 247,459 | 51.20 |
| 2021 | 485,022 | 236,448 | 48.75 | 248,574 | 51.25 |
| 2022 | 493,854 | 240,694 | 48.74 | 253,160 | 51.26 |
| 2023 | 503,198 | 245,608 | 48.81 | 257,590 | 51.19 |
| 2024 | 508,202 | 248,072 | 48.81 | 260,130 | 51.19 |
| 2025 | 507,915 | 247,504 | 48.73 | 260,411 | 51.27 |
2021 Census - Liverpool
The census is a one-time snapshot of the nation that provides extensive demographic and social data.
The United Kingdom has conducted a national census every ten years (with several exceptions), starting in 1801.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the organization responsible for collecting and publishing official statistics in England and Wales. In Northern Ireland it is the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NIRSA), and in Scotland it is National Records of Scotland (NRS).
Census statistics help paint a picture of the nation. Data from the census helps government allocate resources to regional and local service providers.
The most recent UK census took place in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland on 21 March 2021. Scotland delayed the census to 2022 due to the pandemic.
The data from the 2021 Census for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be issued in summer 2022.
The census prior to this was in 2011. Population statistics for Liverpool are detailed below.
2011 Census Data - Resident Population of Liverpool
As of today, the most recent published UK Census data was for 2011. Results of the 2011 United Kingdom Census showed that the total population of Liverpool was 466,415.
The number of males living in Liverpool was 230,483 (49.42% of the total resident population). The number of females was 235,932 (50.58% of the total resident population).
Population Density
Liverpool covers an area of 11,184 hectares. The population density was 41.70 persons per hectare.
2011 Census Data - Ethnic Groups in Liverpool
Whites were the largest ethnic group in Liverpool. 414,671 (88.91%) of the total population of 466,415 identified as white.
Liverpool has a higher percentage white population than the average for England (85.42%).
Asians were the second-largest ethnic group in Liverpool. 19,403 (4.16%) of the population identified as Asian.
Liverpool has a lower percentage Asian population than the average for England (7.82%).
| Ethnicity | Number | % |
|---|---|---|
| White | 414,671 | 88.91 |
| Mixed | 11,756 | 2.52 |
| Asian | 19,403 | 4.16 |
| Black | 12,308 | 2.64 |
| Total | 466,415 | 100.00 |
2011 Census Data - Religion in Liverpool
Christians were the largest religious group in Liverpool. 331,217 (71.01%) of the total population of 466,415 identified as Christian.
Liverpool has a higher percentage Christian population than the average for England (59.38%).
Muslims were the second-largest religious group in Liverpool. 15,209 (3.26%) of the population identified as Muslim.
Liverpool has a lower percentage Muslim population than the average for England (5.02%).
| Religion | Number | % |
|---|---|---|
| Christian | 331,217 | 71.01 |
| Muslim | 15,209 | 3.26 |
| Hindu | 2,437 | 0.52 |
| Buddhist | 2,017 | 0.43 |
| Sikh | 531 | 0.11 |
| Jewish | 2,157 | 0.46 |
| Other | 1,122 | 0.24 |
| No Religion | 82,701 | 17.73 |
| Religion Not Stated | 29,024 | 6.22 |
| Total | 466,415 | 100.00 |
2011 Census Data - Resident Population of Liverpool - Country of Birth
420,290 (90.11%) of the 466,415 residents of Liverpool were born in the UK; 407,334 in England, 3,196 in Scotland, 4,771 in Wales, and 4,948 in Northern Ireland.
3,294 (0.71%) were born in the Republic of Ireland, 10,607 (2.27%) in other EU countries, and 32,224 (6.91%) in other countries.
| Country of Birth | Number | % |
|---|---|---|
| England | 407,334 | 87.33 |
| Scotland | 3,196 | 0.69 |
| Wales | 4,771 | 1.02 |
| Northern Ireland | 4,948 | 1.06 |
| Republic of Ireland | 3,294 | 0.71 |
| Other EU | 10,607 | 2.27 |
| Other Countries | 32,224 | 6.91 |