Muslim Population Growth: The number of Muslims increased from 2.7 million (4.9%) in 2011 to 3.9 million (6.5%) in 2021.

 

According to 2021 Census data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Muslim population in England and Wales rose by 44% over the past decade, reaching 3.9 million (6.5% of the population). Simultaneously, for the first time, less than half of the population (46.2%) described themselves as Christian, officially making them a minority.

 

Key Findings from the 2021 Census (England and Wales):

• Muslim Population Growth: The number of Muslims increased from 2.7 million (4.9%) in 2011 to 3.9 million (6.5%) in 2021.
• Christian Population Decline: Those identifying as Christian dropped from 59.3% in 2011 to 46.2% in 2021.
• Rise of "No Religion": The non-religious category saw the highest growth, rising to 37.2% of the population (22.2 million), making it the second most common response after Christian.
• Demographic Shift: The Muslim population is growing partly due to a younger demographic, with 50% of Muslims born in the UK, and 10% of British children identifying as Muslim.
• Impact on Cities: Major cities like Birmingham and Leicester are no longer majority Christian, reflecting significant shifts in the religious and ethnic fabric of England and Wales.

While Christianity has declined significantly, the "no religion" group remains the largest alternative to Christianity, exceeding the 6.5% who identify as Muslim. The data shows that while the population is increasingly diverse, it is also becoming significantly less religious overall