The Mendip area of Somerset has seen a significant transformation in its demographic landscape, with the latest Census 2021 findings revealing a population increase of around 6,800 people.

This growth brings the total population to nearly 120,000, a 6.2% rise from the 109,300 recorded in 2011. Despite this increase, Mendip's growth rate remains slightly below the South West's 7.8% and England's overall 6.6% increase, reflecting a more modest expansion in comparison to broader regional and national trends.

A deeper dive into the census data uncovers noteworthy shifts in Mendip's demographic fabric. The district's median age has notably increased from 43 to 47 years, positioning Mendip as an area with a higher average age than both the South West (44 years) and England (40 years) overall. This aging trend is underscored by a 33.9% increase in the 65 to 74 age group, contrasted by a 12.5% decline in the 35 to 49 age bracket, indicating a demographic shift towards an older population.

Health indicators in Mendip have shown positive changes, with 49.5% of residents describing their health as "very good," an increase from 46.9% in 2011. However, there has been a noticeable decrease in the provision of unpaid care, with the percentage of residents providing up to 19 hours of unpaid care each week dropping from 7.6% to 4.7%.

Religious affiliation in Mendip has seen a significant shift, with 43.7% of residents now reporting "No religion," up from 27.4% in 2011. This rise mirrors wider trends but marks a substantial change in the religious landscape of Mendip.

The census also highlights changes in national identity within Mendip, with an increase in residents not identifying with any UK national identity, from 3.6% to 4.9%. Furthermore, the percentage of residents identifying solely as "British" has seen a remarkable increase, reflecting evolving perceptions of national identity.

Marital status and partnership formations in Mendip have also shifted, with an increase in individuals who have never been married or in a civil partnership, from 29.2% to 32.0%. Meanwhile, the percentage of married individuals or those in a civil partnership has decreased, indicating changing attitudes towards marriage and partnerships.

Employment patterns in Mendip have undergone significant changes, with a decrease in the percentage of residents employed (excluding full-time students) from 59.2% to 56.7%. This shift may reflect the broader impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment and work patterns, including an increase in part-time employment and changes in working hours.

The housing landscape in Mendip has evolved as well, with a slight decrease in home ownership and an increase in private rentals. This change points to shifting housing preferences and affordability challenges within the district.

Additionally, Mendip's ethnic diversity has seen a small but notable increase, particularly within the "Mixed or Multiple" ethnic groups category, reflecting a gradual diversification of the area's population.

These demographic changes in Mendip, captured by the Census 2021, highlight the district's evolving social, economic, and demographic landscape. The shifts in age distribution, health status, unpaid care provision, religious affiliation, national identity, marital status, employment patterns, housing tenure, and ethnic diversity all contribute to a comprehensive picture of how life in Mendip has changed over the past decade.

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