Demographic dividend, diversity and dilemmas: Population change in the WMCA area

Published 23 April 2025
Updated 23 April 2025

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20250408 Demographic Dividend, Diversity And Dilemmas Population Projections For The WMCA Area (pdf, 7.5 MB)

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The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) area, comprising seven metropolitan districts, is characterised by one of Europe’s youngest and most ethnically diverse populations. This report investigates the dynamics of population change and projections within the WMCA area. It outlines historical population trends and future projections, providing an evidence base to inform the West Midlands Futures work. The population projections show that our population is set to grow significantly over the next twenty years. Indeed, the growth in our population from 2021 to 2043 will be equivalent to welcoming in the current population of the city of Leicester (368,581). By creating the right conditions, the city-region can harness the potential of its young population over the next 10-15 years, and the expected ageing demographic over the longer term.