Manchester's population shrinks slightly as wider region outpaces national growth

Greater Manchester's population grew by 0.6% over the last year, outpacing the national average, even as the city of Manchester itself experienced a slight demographic decline.

According to new estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the city of Manchester saw a net loss of approximately 341 residents between mid-2024 and mid-2025. This represents a 0.06% drop, with more than 11,800 people moving from the city to other parts of the UK during this period.

The Manchester Evening News reports that rising living costs could be driving residents to the suburbs. The publication notes that the average rent for a one-bedroom flat in the city has reached £1,003 per month, an increase of 4.2% from the previous year. The departure of university graduates is also cited as a potential factor in the city centre's population dip.

Salford leads regional growth

In contrast to the city centre, the other nine boroughs in Greater Manchester recorded population increases. Salford emerged as the fastest-growing area in the region, adding nearly 3,500 residents—a 1.19% increase.

Rochdale, Stockport, and Wigan also saw notable growth, each adding between 2,600 and 2,900 people to their respective populations.

International migration drives regional figures

Across Greater Manchester, population growth was primarily driven by international migration, which added 18,000 people to the region.

While the region recorded a natural population increase—with births outnumbering deaths by just over 6,500—this was offset by a net loss of nearly 6,700 people relocating to other parts of the UK.

Nationally, the UK population grew by 0.33% to an estimated 69.5 million. Excluding the pandemic year of 2020, this marks the slowest rate of national population growth since 1998, largely due to a significant drop in net international migration across the country.