Comparison of NI Statistical Population Dataset with Census 2021

Date published: 19 December 2024

Topics: Population, Research into using administrative data for population estimates

On 19 December 2024 NISRA published a statistical research paper titled "Comparison of NI Statistical Population Dataset with Census 2021".

Disclaimer: The Statistical Population Dataset estimates are statistical research and do not replace the accredited official statistics: the mid-year population estimates.

This research paper explores the creation of population estimates for Northern Ireland using a range of administrative datasets. The paper describes:

how these Statistical Population Dataset (SPD) estimates were created
what they estimate the Northern Ireland population to be in April 2021
how they compare to the published census statistics (dated March 2021)

The aim of the SPD is to approximate the usually resident population by age and sex at the NI and sub-NI geographic levels.