Northern Ireland population — UK population
UK population — Northern Ireland population stood at 1,928,400 people in 2025, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Population table (Value · Annual), with a complete series running from 1971 to 2025. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Population table
| Indicator | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 69,483,900 | 69,256,300 | 68,588,000 | 67,636,100 | 66,978,000 | 66,739,900 | 66,627,500 | 66,286,700 | 65,964,300 | 65,605,800 | |
| Northern Ireland | 1,928,400 | 1,927,900 | 1,920,400 | 1,910,500 | 1,904,600 | 1,900,500 | 1,898,500 | 1,886,300 | 1,875,200 | 1,866,000 | |
| Great Britain | 67,555,500 | 67,328,400 | 66,667,700 | 65,725,600 | 65,073,400 | 64,839,300 | 64,729,000 | 64,400,500 | 64,089,100 | 63,739,800 |
Understanding northern Ireland population
This indicator measures the resident population inhabiting the distinct administrative territory of Northern Ireland. The count encompasses all individuals whose usual residence is within the region, irrespective of their birthplace or nationality, while excluding non-resident visitors. Operating outside the landmass totals of Great Britain, this series provides an independent geographic perspective that must be added explicitly if one wishes to calculate total sovereign figures. Local administrative data sources drive the compilation of this specific jurisdiction.
Users analysing these figures should note that local estimation methodologies can occasionally incorporate distinct administrative registers compared to mainland jurisdictions, requiring caution in direct cross-border comparisons. Revisions to early estimates occur as local health and administrative records are updated. Comparing figures across annual intervals provides a dependable view of population dynamics, avoiding the distortions of short-term measurement error. Analysts must ensure they do not conflate this separate jurisdiction with figures covering Great Britain.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this regional series included in Great Britain totals?
- No, Great Britain totals explicitly exclude this territory.
- How are migration flows into the territory captured?
- Migration estimates rely on local administrative health registers and survey instruments tailored to the region.
- Are preliminary figures adjusted over time?
- Yes, initial estimates undergo revisions as comprehensive administrative datasets are finalised.