Research into using administrative data for population estimates

Research relating to the development and quality assurance of the statistical population dataset from administrative data sources.

Comparison of NI Statistical Population Dataset with Census 2021

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

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.