Ageing population

Herefordshire continues to experience a demographic shift towards an older population
The county has a higher proportion of residents aged 50 and over compared to the national average and a relatively lower proportion of children and young adults. This is clearly illustrated in the Population Pyramid (see related documents), which compares Herefordshire’s age structure with that of England and Wales.

Older age groups are growing rapidly
As of mid-2024, approximately 27% of Herefordshire’s population, around 51,500 people, were aged 65 and over, compared to 19% nationally. This age group has grown significantly over the past decade, driven by the ageing of the post-war baby boom generation, which continues to shape the county’s demographic profile. Within this group, those aged 85 and over have seen the most rapid growth, increasing by 30% since 2011 and are expected to continue rising at an accelerated pace.

A declining working-age population
Herefordshire’s working-age population (16-64) stands at approximately 109,200, accounting for 57% of the total population. This figure has declined by around 3,700 since 2011, reversing the temporary growth seen after the 2004 EU expansion, when younger adults migrated into the county.

Fewer children and young people
Children under 16 make up 16% of Herefordshire’s population (around 30,300), compared to 18% nationally.

The number of children in Herefordshire has fallen by 3.5% over the last 13 years, whereas nationally, the number has risen by 6.9%. A recent decline in fertility rates, both locally and nationally, will mean that numbers of children are likely to continue declining.