Swindon Borough Demographics: Ethnicity and Religion Trends
The Borough of Swindon has undergone a significant demographic transformation over the last two decades. Once characterized by a highly homogeneous population, the region is becoming increasingly diverse, reflecting broader societal shifts across the United Kingdom. By analyzing data from the 2001, 2011, and 2021 censuses, we can see a clear trend toward a more multicultural community.
Key Facts
- White British remains the largest ethnic group but declined from 91.5% in 2001 to 74.2% in 2021.
- The Asian population has seen the most significant growth, rising from 2.6% in 2001 to 11.6% in 2021.
- Christianity is the most common religion (46.6%), though it has declined steadily since 2001.
- The percentage of residents reporting no religion has more than doubled since 2001, reaching 40.5%.
Ethnic Composition and Evolution
Historically, the Borough of Swindon was predominantly White British. However, recent census data highlights a consistent decline in this proportion. In the 2021 census, the White British group constituted 74.2% of the population, a notable drop from the 91.5% recorded in 2001.
As of 2021, the overall ethnic breakdown of the borough is as follows:
- White (81.5%): This includes English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish or British (74.2%), Other White (6.3%), Roma (0.2%), Irish (0.7%), and Gypsy or Irish Traveller (0.1%).
- Asian (11.6%): The largest subgroup is Indian (7.6%), followed by Other Asian (2.1%), Pakistani (0.9%), Bangladeshi (0.6%), and Chinese (0.5%).
- Mixed (2.8%): Comprising White and Black Caribbean (0.8%), Other Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups (0.8%), White and Asian (0.7%), and White and Black African (0.5%).
- Black (2.6%): Including African (1.8%), Caribbean (0.4%), and Other Black (0.4%).
- Other (1.5%): Including Any other ethnic group (1.3%) and Arab (0.1%).
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Ethnic Group Trends (2001–2021)
The shift toward diversity is evident when comparing the three most recent census cycles. While the White population has decreased, there has been a steady increase in Asian, Black, and Mixed ethnic groups.
| Ethnic Group | 2001 Census | 2011 Census | 2021 Census |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 95.2% | 89.8% | 81.5% |
| Asian | 2.6% | 6.4% | 11.6% |
| Black | 0.7% | 1.4% | 2.6% |
| Mixed | 1.1% | 2.0% | 2.8% |
| Other | 0.4% | 1.5% | - |
Religious Affiliation and Shifts
Parallel to the changes in ethnicity, the religious landscape of Swindon has also evolved. There is a visible trend of secularization, where a growing number of residents identify as having no religion.
According to the 2021 census, the religious distribution is as follows:
- Christian: 46.6%
- No religion: 40.5%
- Muslim: 2.7%
- Hindu: 2.5%
- Buddhist: 0.7%
- Sikh: 0.6%
- Other religion: 0.6%
- Jewish: 0.1%
- Not stated: 5.6%
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Religious Trends (2001–2021)
The decline in Christian identification is stark, falling from 70.1% in 2001 to 46.6% in 2021. Conversely, the "No religion" category has grown from 19.1% to 40.5% in the same period. Minority religions, such as Islam and Hinduism, have also seen modest increases.
| Religion | 2001 Census | 2011 Census | 2021 Census |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christian | 70.1% | 57.5% | 46.6% |
| No religion | 19.1% | 31.0% | 40.5% |
| Muslim | 1.0% | 1.7% | 2.7% |
| Hindu | 0.6% | 1.2% | 2.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.7% |
| Sikh | - | - | 0.6% |
| Other religion | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Not stated | 7.9% | 6.8% | 5.6% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common ethnic group in Swindon?
The most common ethnic group is White British, which made up 74.2% of the population in the 2021 census.
How has the Asian population changed since 2001?
The Asian population has grown significantly, increasing from 2.6% in the 2001 census to 11.6% in the 2021 census.
What is the current religious makeup of the borough?
As of 2021, the largest groups are Christians (46.6%) and those with no religion (40.5%), followed by Muslims (2.7%) and Hindus (2.5%).
Is the population of Swindon becoming more diverse?
Yes. The proportion of the White British population has consistently declined in each modern census, while other ethnic and religious groups have increased.
What percentage of the population identifies as having no religion?
In the 2021 census, 40.5% of the population reported having no religion, up from 19.1% in 2001.