Research and Information Service Reseearch Paper 5 October 2015 Dr Raymond Russell Key Statistics for Settlements, Census 2011 NIAR 404-15 This Paper contains an analysis of recently-published key statistics from Census 2011 relating to Settlement Bands A - E in Northern Ireland. The bands include cities, and large, medium and small towns. Paper 99/15 1 October 2015 Research and Information Service briefings are compiled for the benefit of MLAs and their support staff. Authors are available to discuss the contents of these papers with Members and their staff but cannot advise members of the general public. We do, however, welcome written evidence that relates to our papers and this should be sent to the Research and Information Service, Northern Ireland Assembly, Room 139, Parliament Buildings, Belfast BT4 3XX or e-mailed to
[email protected] NIAR 404-15 Research Paper Executive Summary Settlements are ‘built-up areas’, ranging from cities (bands A and B) to small hamlets (band H). This Paper examines key statistics from Census 2011 for bands A – E, i.e. from cities to small towns. Demography • Compared to 2001, a number of towns have seen significant increases in their resident population, including Dungannon (30 per cent), Antrim (17 per cent), Ballymoney (15 per cent) and Craigavon (11 per cent). Derry / Londonderry, Newry and Omagh experienced a modest fall in population. Community Background • Settlements where the largest proportion of residents are from a Catholic community background are generally located in the west and south of Northern Ireland, while those settlements with a significant proportion of residents from a Protestant background tend to be situated in the North and East of Northern Ireland Migration • Migrant communities are now widely dispersed across all regions of Northern Ireland, even down to the small village level.