Population size remained stable
Between the last two censuses (held in 2011 and 2021), the population of Merthyr Tydfil remained at 58,800.
The population of Wales increased by 1.4%, from 3,063,000 to 3,107,000.
In 2021, Merthyr Tydfil was home to around 3.8 people per football pitch-sized piece of land. This area was the ninth most densely populated out of all 22 local authority areas across Wales.
This article generally uses percentages to enable comparisons over time and between areas. The percentage point change is also used to show the difference between the 2011 and 2021 percentages.
Population growth was lower in Merthyr Tydfil than across Wales
Percentage population change, Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding areas, 2011 Census to Census 2021
Wales ▲1.4% Merthyr Tydfil ▲0.1%| -2 | -0.5 | 0.5 | +2 | +8 | +16% |
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Median age stable in Merthyr Tydfil
The latest census data also show that the average (median) age remained 40 years in Merthyr Tydfil between the last two censuses.
This area had a slightly lower average (median) age than nearby Rhondda Cynon Taf (41 years) and a lower average (median) age than Wales as a whole (42 years).
The median age is the age of the person in the middle of the group, meaning that one half of the group is younger than that person and the other half is older.
The number of people aged 65 to 74 years rose by just over 950 (an increase of 18.2%), while the number of residents between 35 and 49 years fell by around 1,200 (9.9% decrease).
The share of residents aged between 65 and 74 years increased by 1.6 percentage points between 2011 and 2021
Percentage of usual residents
by age group,
| 85 years and over | 2.0 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 2.0%
2.1% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 to 84 years | 5.6 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 7.1 | 6.1 | 7.1 | 5.6%
6.1% |
| 65 to 74 years | 9.1 | 10.7 | 9.8 | 11.6 | 9.8 | 11.6 | 9.1%
10.7% |
| 50 to 64 years | 19.3 | 20.7 | 19.4 | 20.5 | 19.4 | 20.5 | 19.3%
20.7% |
| 35 to 49 years | 20.5 | 18.4 | 20.1 | 17.6 | 20.1 | 17.6 | 20.5%
18.4% |
| 25 to 34 years | 12.9 | 13.3 | 11.8 | 12.3 | 11.8 | 12.3 | 12.9%
13.3% |
| 20 to 24 years | 6.7 | 5.5 | 6.9 | 6.0 | 6.9 | 6.0 | 6.7%
5.5% |
| 16 to 19 years | 5.3 | 4.2 | 5.3 | 4.6 | 5.3 | 4.6 | 5.3%
4.2% |
| 10 to 15 years | 7.2 | 7.1 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.2%
7.1% |
| 5 to 9 years | 5.3 | 6.2 | 5.3 | 5.7 | 5.3 | 5.7 | 5.3%
6.2% |
| 4 years and under | 6.2 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 | 6.2%
5.6% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Welsh language in Merthyr Tydfil
The percentage of Welsh speakers in Merthyr Tydfil remained at 8.9% in 2021.
In 2021, there were just over 50 more Welsh-speaking Merthyr Tydfil residents (over the age of three years) compared with 2011. The number of people who did not speak Welsh increased by 300.
In nearby Rhondda Cynon Taf, 12.4% of people over the age of three years could speak Welsh, similar to the 2011 figure. Across Wales, the percentage of Welsh speakers fell from 19.0% to 17.8%.
Cardiff was one of the few areas that saw an increase in the percentage of Welsh speakers (from 11.1% in 2011 to 12.2% in 2021), while Carmarthenshire saw the largest fall (from 43.9% to 39.9%).
In 2021, 8.9% of people aged three years and over said they could speak Welsh in Merthyr Tydfil
Percentage of people aged three years and over
by ability to speak Welsh,
| Cannot speak Welsh | 91.1 | 91.1 | 81.0 | 82.2 | 81.0 | 82.2 | 91.1%
91.1% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Can speak Welsh | 8.9 | 8.9 | 19.0 | 17.8 | 19.0 | 17.8 | 8.9%
8.9% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Rise in employment
Merthyr Tydfil saw Wales' joint third-largest percentage-point rise (alongside Rhondda Cynon Taf) in the proportion of people aged 16 years and over (excluding full-time students) who were employed (from 51.0% in 2011 to 52.5% in 2021).
Wales' largest increases in the percentage of people aged 16 years and over (excluding full-time students) who were employed occurred in Blaenau Gwent (from 48.2% to 51.1%) followed by Newport (from 53.2% to 55.6%).
During this period, Merthyr Tydfil overtook seven local authority areas, including Isle of Anglesey and Gwynedd, to become the Welsh local authority area with the ninth-highest percentage of people aged 16 years and over who were employed (excluding full-time students).
Census 2021 took place during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a period of rapid and unparalleled change; the national lockdown, associated guidance and furlough measures will have affected the labour market and our ability to measure it.
The percentage of people aged 16 years and over who were employed (excluding full-time students) in Merthyr Tydfil increased by 1.5 percentage points
Percentage of usual residents aged 16 years and over
by economic activity status,
| Economically active (excluding full-time students): In employment | 51.0 | 52.5 | 52.5 | 51.9 | 52.5 | 51.9 | 51.0%
52.5% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economically active (excluding full-time students): Unemployed | 5.2 | 2.8 | 3.9 | 2.5 | 3.9 | 2.5 | 5.2%
2.8% |
| Economically active and a full-time student: In employment | 1.7 | 1.3 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 1.7%
1.3% |
| Economically active and a full-time student: Unemployed | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.5%
0.5% |
| Economically inactive: Retired | 22.4 | 22.1 | 24.0 | 24.7 | 24.0 | 24.7 | 22.4%
22.1% |
| Economically inactive: Student | 4.4 | 4.1 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 4.4%
4.1% |
| Economically inactive: Looking after home or family | 3.5 | 4.7 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 3.5%
4.7% |
| Economically inactive: Long-term sick or disabled | 8.9 | 8.6 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 8.9%
8.6% |
| Economically inactive: Other | 2.4 | 3.4 | 2.1 | 2.9 | 2.1 | 2.9 | 2.4%
3.4% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Working hours in Merthyr Tydfil
In 2021, 9.0% of Merthyr Tydfil residents aged 16 years and over and in employment said they worked over 49 hours per week. This figure was at a similar level in 2011 (9.2%).
In 2021, around 1 in 14 people (7.1%) said they worked 15 hours or less per week, compared with 7.7% in 2011. The percentage of adults in employment working 31 to 48 hours per week increased from 62.4% to 63.5%.
The percentage of people aged 16 years and over and in employment who said they usually worked over 49 hours per week fell from 9.4% to 8.7% in nearby Rhondda Cynon Taf. Across Wales, the percentage fell from 11.9% to 10.2%.
Working hours may have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The percentage of adults in employment who worked 49 hours or more in Merthyr Tydfil decreased by 0.2 percentage points
Percentage of usual residents aged 16 years and over and in employment
by the number of hours worked per week,
| 15 hours or less worked | 7.7 | 7.1 | 9.3 | 9.0 | 9.3 | 9.0 | 7.7%
7.1% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 to 30 hours worked | 20.7 | 20.3 | 21.0 | 20.9 | 21.0 | 20.9 | 20.7%
20.3% |
| 31 to 48 hours worked | 62.4 | 63.5 | 57.8 | 59.8 | 57.8 | 59.8 | 62.4%
63.5% |
| 49 or more hours worked | 9.2 | 9.0 | 11.9 | 10.2 | 11.9 | 10.2 | 9.2%
9.0% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Disability in Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil saw Wales' largest percentage-point fall in the proportion of residents who were identified as being disabled and limited a lot (from 17.0% in 2011 to 13.1% in 2021). These are age-standardised proportions.
Age-standardised proportions are used throughout this section. They enable comparisons between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure.
Rhondda Cynon Taf saw the country's next largest decrease in the proportion of residents who were identified as being disabled and limited a lot (from 15.6% in 2011 to 12.0% in 2021).
Every local authority area across Wales saw a fall in the proportion of residents who were identified as being disabled and limited a lot, as the proportion across Wales fell from 12.3% to 10.0%.
Census 2021 was undertaken during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This may have influenced how people perceived their health status and activity limitations, and therefore may have affected how people chose to respond.
Caution should be taken when making comparisons between 2011 and 2021 because of changes in question wording and response options.
The percentage of people who were identified as being disabled and limited a lot in Merthyr Tydfil decreased by 3.9 percentage points
Age-standardised proportion of usual residents
by long-term health condition or illness,
| Disabled and limited a lot | 17.0 | 13.1 | 12.3 | 10.0 | 12.3 | 10.0 | 17.0%
13.1% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled and limited a little | 11.8 | 11.1 | 11.1 | 11.1 | 11.1 | 11.1 | 11.8%
11.1% |
| Not disabled | 71.2 | 75.8 | 76.6 | 78.9 | 76.6 | 78.9 | 71.2%
75.8% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Religion in Merthyr Tydfil
In 2021, 53.2% of Merthyr Tydfil residents reported having "No religion", making it the most common response in this local authority area (up from 35.8% in 2011). Because the census question about religious affiliation is voluntary and has varying response rates, caution is needed when comparing figures between different areas or between censuses.
Across Wales, the percentage of residents who described themselves as having "No religion" increased from 32.1% to 46.5%.
In 2021, 40.1% of people in Merthyr Tydfil described themselves as Christian (down from 56.0%), while 5.2% did not state their religion (down from 7.0% the decade before).
There are many factors that can cause changes to the religious profile of an area, such as a changing age structure or residents relocating for work or education. Changes may also be caused by differences in the way individuals chose to self-identify between censuses. Religious affiliation is the religion with which someone connects or identifies, rather than their beliefs or religious practice.
Read the bulletin Religion, England and Wales: Census 2021.In 2021, 53.2% of usual residents in Merthyr Tydfil reported having "No religion"
Percentage of usual residents
by religion,
| No religion | 35.8 | 53.2 | 32.1 | 46.5 | 32.1 | 46.5 | 35.8%
53.2% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian | 56.0 | 40.1 | 57.6 | 43.6 | 57.6 | 43.6 | 56.0%
40.1% |
| Buddhist | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.2%
0.2% |
| Hindu | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.1%
0.2% |
| Jewish | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0%
0.0% |
| Muslim | 0.3 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 0.3%
0.5% |
| Sikh | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1%
0.1% |
| Other | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.4%
0.4% |
| Not answered | 7.0 | 5.2 | 7.6 | 6.3 | 7.6 | 6.3 | 7.0%
5.2% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Fewer couples with non-dependent children
Merthyr Tydfil saw Wales' largest percentage-point fall in the proportion of households including a couple with only non-dependent children (from 9.3% in 2011 to 7.9% in 2021).
Neath Port Talbot saw the country's next largest decrease in the percentage of households including a couple with only non-dependent children (from 8.3% in 2011 to 7.6% in 2021).
During this period, Merthyr Tydfil went from having the highest to the second-highest percentage of households including a couple with only non-dependent children (out of all 22 Welsh local authority areas).
The percentage of households including a couple with only non-dependent children in Merthyr Tydfil decreased by 1.4 percentage points
Percentage of households
by household composition,
| One-person household: Aged 66 years and over (Aged 65 years and over in 2011) | 12.5 | 13.4 | 13.7 | 14.6 | 13.7 | 14.6 | 12.5%
13.4% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-person household: Other | 14.6 | 18.6 | 17.1 | 17.3 | 17.1 | 17.3 | 14.6%
18.6% |
| Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: No children | 15.8 | 15.1 | 17.2 | 16.5 | 17.2 | 16.5 | 15.8%
15.1% |
| Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: With dependent children | 18.5 | 16.7 | 18.4 | 16.9 | 18.4 | 16.9 | 18.5%
16.7% |
| Single-family household: Cohabiting-couple family: All children non-dependent | 9.3 | 7.9 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 9.3%
7.9% |
| Single-family household: Lone-parent household | 14.8 | 14.9 | 11.4 | 12.0 | 11.4 | 12.0 | 14.8%
14.9% |
| Other household types | 14.6 | 13.3 | 15.4 | 15.8 | 15.4 | 15.8 | 14.6%
13.3% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Change in housing in Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil saw Wales' largest percentage-point fall in the proportion of households that owned their home (from 65.3% in 2011 to 62.5% in 2021).
Rhondda Cynon Taf saw the country's next largest decrease in the percentage of households that owned their home (from 71.0% in 2011 to 68.3% in 2021).
During this period, Merthyr Tydfil went from having the sixth-lowest to the joint fourth-lowest percentage of home ownership (alongside Wrexham) (out of all 22 Welsh local authority areas).
The rate of home ownership in Merthyr Tydfil decreased by 2.8 percentage points
Percentage of households
by housing tenure,
| Owns outright or with a mortgage or loan | 65.3 | 62.5 | 67.4 | 66.1 | 67.4 | 66.1 | 65.3%
62.5% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared ownership | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.2%
0.1% |
| Social rented | 21.1 | 21.8 | 16.5 | 16.5 | 16.5 | 16.5 | 21.1%
21.8% |
| Private rented | 11.6 | 15.4 | 14.1 | 17.0 | 14.1 | 17.0 | 11.6%
15.4% |
| Lives rent free | 1.9 | 0.2 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 1.9%
0.2% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Health in Merthyr Tydfil
In 2021, 44.6% of Merthyr Tydfil residents described their health as "very good", increasing from 42.1% in 2011. Those describing their health as "good" rose from 29.0% to 30.6%. These are age-standardised proportions.
Age-standardised proportions are used throughout this section. They enable comparisons between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure.
The proportion of Merthyr Tydfil residents describing their health as "very bad" decreased from 3.1% to 2.4%, while those describing their health as "bad" fell from 8.9% to 7.1%.
These data reflect people’s own opinions in describing their overall health on a five point scale, from very good to very bad.
Census 2021 was conducted during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This may have influenced how people perceived and rated their health, and therefore may have affected how people chose to respond.
The percentage of people in very good health in Merthyr Tydfil increased by 2.5 percentage points
Age-standardised proportion of usual residents
by self-reported health,
| Very good health | 42.1 | 44.6 | 45.7 | 46.6 | 45.7 | 46.6 | 42.1%
44.6% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good health | 29.0 | 30.6 | 31.4 | 32.5 | 31.4 | 32.5 | 29.0%
30.6% |
| Fair health | 16.9 | 15.3 | 15.0 | 14.1 | 15.0 | 14.1 | 16.9%
15.3% |
| Bad health | 8.9 | 7.1 | 6.0 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 5.1 | 8.9%
7.1% |
| Very bad health | 3.1 | 2.4 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 3.1%
2.4% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Unpaid care in Merthyr Tydfil
In 2021, 4.2% of Merthyr Tydfil residents (aged five years and over) reported providing up to 19 hours of unpaid care each week. This figure decreased from 6.8% in 2011. These are age-standardised proportions.
Age-standardised proportions are used throughout this section. They enable comparisons between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure.
In 2021, just over 1 in 40 people (2.8%) reported providing between 20 and 49 hours of unpaid care each week, compared with 2.3% in 2011. The proportion of Merthyr Tydfil residents (aged five years and over) that provided at least 50 hours of weekly unpaid care decreased from 4.5% to 4.3%.
This area had the country's joint second lowest proportion of people (aged five years and over) providing up to 19 hours of weekly unpaid care and the second highest proportion of people (aged five years and over) providing between 20 and 49 hours of weekly unpaid care (alongside Blaenau Gwent). Across the country, only Gwynedd, with 4.1%, had a lower proportion of people that provided up to 19 hours of weekly unpaid care.
Census 2021 was undertaken during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This may have influenced how people perceived and managed their provision of unpaid care, and therefore may have affected how people chose to respond.
Caution should be taken when making comparisons between 2011 and 2021 because of changes in question wording and response options.
The percentage of people (aged five years and over) providing up to 19 hours of weekly unpaid care in Merthyr Tydfil decreased by 2.6 percentage points
Age-standardised proportion of usual residents (aged five years and over)
by hours per week of unpaid care provision,
| Does not provide weekly unpaid care | 86.4 | 88.7 | 87.0 | 89.5 | 87.0 | 89.5 | 86.4%
88.7% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 19 hours of unpaid care | 6.8 | 4.2 | 7.4 | 4.7 | 7.4 | 4.7 | 6.8%
4.2% |
| 20 to 49 hours of unpaid care | 2.3 | 2.8 | 1.9 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 2.2 | 2.3%
2.8% |
| 50 or more hours of unpaid care | 4.5 | 4.3 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 4.5%
4.3% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Merthyr Tydfil residents' country of birth
In the latest census, around 51,400 Merthyr Tydfil residents said they were born in Wales. This represented 87.3% of the local population. The figure has decreased from just under 52,100 in 2011, which at the time represented 88.5% of Merthyr Tydfil's population.
England was the next most represented, with around 3,900 Merthyr Tydfil residents reporting this country of birth (6.6%). This figure was up from around 3,800 in 2011, which at the time represented 6.4% of the population of Merthyr Tydfil.
The number of Merthyr Tydfil residents born in Poland rose from just over 1,000 in 2011 (1.7% of the local population) to around 1,200 in 2021 (2.0%).
In 2021, 87.3% of Merthyr Tydfil residents reported their country of birth as Wales
Percentage of usual residents
by country of birth,
| Wales | 88.5 | 87.3 | 72.7 | 70.9 | 72.7 | 70.9 | 88.5%
87.3% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 6.4 | 6.6 | 20.8 | 21.2 | 20.8 | 21.2 | 6.4%
6.6% |
| Poland | 1.7 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 1.7%
2.0% |
| India | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.2%
0.5% |
| Countries that joined the EU between April 2001 and March 2011 (other than Poland, Croatia, Lithuania and Romania) | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.1%
0.5% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
Notes:
- This chart shows the five most common countries of birth in Merthyr Tydfil in 2021
- Please see the data dictionary for further detail on country of birth groupings
| |
National identity in Merthyr Tydfil
Of Merthyr Tydfil residents, 70.0% identified as "Welsh" (and no other national identity) in 2021, down from 73.2% in 2011.
In 2021, just over 1 in 11 people (9.3%) described themselves as "Welsh and British only", compared with 8.2% in 2011. The percentage of residents in Merthyr Tydfil that identified as "British only" increased from 9.7% to 10.9%.
This area had the country's highest percentage of people who identified as "Welsh only" and the eighth highest percentage of people who identified as "Welsh and British only". Rhondda Cynon Taf had Wales' next-highest percentage of people who identified as "Welsh only" (69.8%), while Flintshire had the country's lowest percentage (34.7%).
In Census 2021, “British” was moved to the top response option and this may have influenced how people described their national identity. For further information, please see our quality report.
The percentage of people who identified as "Welsh only" in Merthyr Tydfil decreased by 3.2 percentage points
Percentage of usual residents
by national identity,
| British only identity | 9.7 | 10.9 | 16.9 | 18.5 | 16.9 | 18.5 | 9.7%
10.9% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welsh only identity | 73.2 | 70.0 | 57.5 | 55.2 | 57.5 | 55.2 | 73.2%
70.0% |
| Welsh and British only identity | 8.2 | 9.3 | 7.1 | 8.1 | 7.1 | 8.1 | 8.2%
9.3% |
| English only identity | 3.6 | 3.3 | 11.2 | 9.1 | 11.2 | 9.1 | 3.6%
3.3% |
| English and British only identity | 0.3 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 0.3%
0.5% |
| Any other combination of only UK identities | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.1%
1.2% |
| Non-UK identity only | 3.6 | 4.1 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 3.6%
4.1% |
| UK identity and non-UK identity | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 0.2%
0.7% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
More adults never married or in a civil partnership
Of Merthyr Tydfil residents aged 16 years and over, 39.3% said they had never been married or in a civil partnership in 2021, up from 35.3% in 2011.
In 2021, just over 4 in 10 people (41.8%) said they were married or in a registered civil partnership, compared with 45.1% in 2011. The percentage of adults in Merthyr Tydfil that had divorced or dissolved a civil partnership increased from 9.3% to 9.5%.
The increase in the percentage of people aged 16 years and over who had never been married or in a civil partnership was greater in nearby Rhondda Cynon Taf (4.9 percentage points) than in Merthyr Tydfil (4.0 percentage points). In nearby Rhondda Cynon Taf, the percentage increased from 33.9% in 2011 to 38.8% in 2021, while across Wales, the percentage increased from 33.5% to 37.2%.
These figures include same-sex marriages and opposite-sex civil partnerships in 2021, neither of which were legally recognised in England and Wales in 2011. Same-sex marriages have been legally recognised in England and Wales since 2014 and opposite-sex civil partnerships have been recognised since 2019.
The percentage of adults who had never married or registered a civil partnership in Merthyr Tydfil increased by 4.0 percentage points
Percentage of usual residents aged 16 years and over
by legal partnership status,
| Never married and never registered a civil partnership | 35.3 | 39.3 | 33.5 | 37.2 | 33.5 | 37.2 | 35.3%
39.3% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Married or in a registered civil partnership | 45.1 | 41.8 | 46.7 | 43.8 | 46.7 | 43.8 | 45.1%
41.8% |
| Separated, but still legally married or still legally in a civil partnership | 2.5 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 2.5%
2.2% |
| Divorced or civil partnership dissolved | 9.3 | 9.5 | 9.7 | 9.9 | 9.7 | 9.9 | 9.3%
9.5% |
| Widowed or surviving civil partnership partner | 7.9 | 7.2 | 7.9 | 7.1 | 7.9 | 7.1 | 7.9%
7.2% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
| |
Ethnic groups in Merthyr Tydfil
In 2021, 1.5% of Merthyr Tydfil residents identified their ethnic group within the "Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh" category, up from 1.2% in 2011. The 0.3 percentage-point change was the largest increase among high-level ethnic groups in this area.
Across Wales, the percentage of people from the "Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh" ethnic group increased from 2.3% to 2.9%.
In 2021, 97.1% of people in Merthyr Tydfil identified their ethnic group within the "White" category (compared with 97.6% in 2011), while 0.9% identified their ethnic group within the "Mixed or Multiple" category (compared with 0.8% the previous decade).
The percentage of people who identified their ethnic group within the "Other" category ("Arab" or "Any other ethnic group") increased from 0.2% in 2011 to 0.4% in 2021.
There are many factors that may be contributing to the changing ethnic composition of England and Wales, such as differing patterns of ageing, fertility, mortality, and migration. Changes may also be caused by differences in the way individuals chose to self-identify between censuses.
Read the bulletin Ethnic group, England and Wales: Census 2021.In 2021, 1.5% of usual residents in Merthyr Tydfil identified their ethnic group within the "Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh" category
Percentage of usual residents
by ethnic group,
| Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh | 1.2 | 1.5 | 2.3 | 2.9 | 2.3 | 2.9 | 1.2%
1.5% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 0.2%
0.2% |
| Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups | 0.8 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 0.8%
0.9% |
| White | 97.6 | 97.1 | 95.6 | 93.8 | 95.6 | 93.8 | 97.6%
97.1% |
| Other ethnic groups | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.2%
0.4% |
Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021
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About the data
Census data are adjusted to reflect estimated non-response so that the published results relate to the entire usually resident population as it was on Census Day (21 March 2021).
Those respondents who were on furlough because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic were asked to classify themselves as "temporarily away from work" to ensure they remained in the economically active population.
Students are counted as usually resident at their term-time address even if they were not physically present there on Census Day.
The questions relating to disability differed slightly between 2011 and 2021 to ensure that data were more closely aligned with the definition of disability in the Equality Act (2010). There was also a change to question wording for unpaid care, for more information read the health, disability and unpaid care quality information.
Age-standardised proportions are used throughout the health, disability and unpaid care sections. They allow for fairer comparisons between populations over time and across geographies, as they account for differences in the population size and age structure. The 2013 European Standard Population is used to standardise proportions.
Percentages and percentage point changes have been individually rounded to one decimal place. This means they may not sum exactly.
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Download the data used in this article
xlsx (1.5 MB)About these articles
There is an article like this for every local authority district in England and Wales. The articles have been written and semi-automated by our data journalists and are a new publishing format for the Office for National Statistics.
Topics are chosen and ordered automatically based on how relevant they are for each area, however all data are checked before publishing.
We have not included topics that were new for Census 2021 or where there is no comparability with the 2011 Census. Read about how we developed and tested the questions for Census 2021.
These articles were first published on 8 December 2022 covering topics such as demography, country of birth, ethnic groups, religion, national identity and economic activity status. They were updated on 19 January 2023 following the release of more data from Census 2021 and now include housing tenure, general health, disability and unpaid care.
Related links
Supporting information | Released 2 November 2022
What topic summary data for Census 2021 will be available and how to view them.
Interactive tool | Released 8 December 2022
Use our interactive map to find out what people’s lives are like across England and Wales.
How well do you know your area?
Digital Content Article | Released 2 December 2022
Test your knowledge of where you live with our Census quiz.
Contact
census.customerservices@ons.gov.ukTelephone: +44 1329 44 4972