Sidmouth: East Devon older and less Christian than in 2011, census data shows

With the publication of the census data for 2021 by the Office for National Statistics, several marked differences have been noted across the country but also on a local level.

In East Devon (which comprises Exmouth, Sidmouth, Seaton, Honiton and more), the population has increased and aged considerably, while the number of people describing themselves as Christian has fallen.

Population

The population of East Devon increased by 13.9 per cent between 2011 and 2021, from around 132,500 to around 150,800.

Population growth was higher in East Devon than across the South West and the rest of England on average.

The median age of East Devon increased by one year, from 49 to 50 years of age.

The number of people aged 65 to 74 rose by around 4,100, while the number of residents between 35 and 49 years fell by just over 450.

Religion

In 2021, 50.1 per cent of people in East Devon described themselves as Christian, down from 65.6 per cent in 2011.

These changes reflect a trend across England and Wales, with people identifying as Christian at 46.2%, down from 59.3% in 2011.

The proportion of people reporting having "No religion" in East Devon was 41.9 per cent in 2021, up from 25.1 per cent in 2011.

This is slightly higher than the rest of England and Wales, where the figure was 37.2 per cent.