Population
In 2018, the resident population of Bolton is approximately 285,372. Mid 2018 population estimates (Figure 1) illustrates that Bolton has a higher proportion of older people (65 years plus) than what is observed at Greater Manchester. Bolton has a lower proportion of working age population (16-64), than what is seen nationally.
2018 population
| Total | Males | Females | 0 to 15 | 16 to 64 | 65 and over | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 55,977,178 | 27,667,942 | 28,309,236 | 10,748,458 | 35,049,467 | 10,179,253 |
| Greater Manchester | 2,812,569 | 1,397,201 | 1,415,368 | 576,791 | 1,790,440 | 445,338 |
| Bolton | 285,372 | 141,579 | 143,793 | 60,911 | 175,341 | 49,120 |
Figure 2 gives Bolton’s population estimates by males and females and by 5-year age group. Around half of Bolton’s residents are aged under 40 and a fifth of the population fall within the age bracket of 0 to 14.
2018 mid-year population estimates
| Bolton - mid 2018 - 5-year age groups | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | Males | Females | All | Percent of population |
| 0 to 4 | 9,782 | 9,512 | 19,294 | 6.76% |
| 5 to 9 | 10,142 | 9,834 | 19,976 | 7.00% |
| 10 to 14 | 9,558 | 8,791 | 18,349 | 6.43% |
| 15 to 19 | 8,764 | 7,850 | 16,614 | 5.82% |
| 20 to 24 | 8,654 | 7,747 | 16,401 | 5.75% |
| 25 to 29 | 9,350 | 9,284 | 18,634 | 6.53% |
| 30 to 34 | 9,543 | 9,909 | 19,452 | 6.82% |
| 35 to 39 | 8,840 | 9,065 | 17,905 | 6.27% |
| 40 to 44 | 8,463 | 8,544 | 17,007 | 5.96% |
| 45 to 49 | 9,873 | 10,014 | 19,887 | 6.97% |
| 50 to 54 | 9,802 | 10,184 | 19,986 | 7.00% |
| 55 to 59 | 8,741 | 9,035 | 17,776 | 6.23% |
| 60 to 64 | 7,334 | 7,637 | 14,971 | 5.25% |
| 65 to 69 | 6,939 | 7,143 | 14,082 | 4.93% |
| 70 to 74 | 6,540 | 7,098 | 13,638 | 4.78% |
| 75 to 79 | 4,348 | 5,021 | 9,369 | 3.28% |
| 80 to 84 | 2,820 | 3,505 | 6,325 | 2.22% |
| 85 to 89 | 1,388 | 2,327 | 3,715 | 1.30% |
| 90 and over | 698 | 1,293 | 1,991 | 0.70% |
In line with developments across the country, Bolton has an ageing population. Bolton’s older population, ages 70 - 90+, do however make up a lower proportion of the local population than the England average. This population group is projected to increase rapidly by over 5,000 people over the next 10 years.
Population Changes: Projections
Bolton’s population is expected to reach 300,000 for the first time in 2039. Over the next twenty years, Bolton’s population is expected to increase by 4.5%. This is a slower pace of growth than projected for England (8.4%) and Greater Manchester (7.1%).
There are no official projections by age group available. Estimates can be made, but these do not take into account any population movement. According to estimates, between 2019 and 2025 the number of young adults is expected to reduce by 2,641 people. The number of individuals in secondary school and older teenagers are projected to increase in number. The largest population increase is expected in the over 75 group (Older Retirement). Looking further ahead to 2041, estimated projections show that the over 65 population will show a considerable increase in Bolton, rising by over 17,000, within the Post-Retirement (65-74) and Older Retirement (75+) age brackets.
The over 65 population is projected to rise by 35% from 49,700 in 2019 to 67,000 in 2041 and will then make up over a fifth (22%) of Bolton’s total population.