Bristol is a busy city, but it’s only about to get busier. While the population of Bristol was last estimated to be at 483,000 (based on the last census, from mid-2023), a new report from the City Council estimates that, as of mid-2025, it has now surpassed half a million people for the first time ever.
The eighth largest city in England and Wales outside of London, Bristol’s population grew by an estimated 44,000 people (a 10.0% increase) over the last decade (2013-2023). In England and Wales overall, it only grew by 6.8%, making Bristol the second fastest growing of the 11 UK Core Cities after Manchester.
Based on current projections, the Bristol local authority will experience another 10% increase by 2032, taking the population to 526,600 people—with estimates as high as 550,900 people. However, no one can confidently predict population growth, as it can be affected by anything from the economy to conflicts.
What else does the report say about Bristol in 2032?
The report shows there’s also going to be other changes to the population by 2032. Bristol has always been a diverse city—with now more than 287 different ethnic groups in the city, more than 185 countries of birth represented, at least 45 religions and more than 90 languages spoken. And that trend may continue.
Internal migration (ie to/from other parts of the UK) is set to be the biggest factor in population change in England over the coming years. But in Bristol, it’s a different story. Net internal migration will reduce the population by 23,258, between 2022 and 2032, and decrease the population in Bristol by 4.8%.
Meanwhile, Bristol’s international migration will increase the population by 10.4%, compared to England’s increase of 6.5%, making it the biggest factor in the projected population change—with 98,766 people moving to the area and 49,009 people moving from the area during that same period.
While the median age in Bristol is projected to remain the same at 33 years (far younger than the 41 years in England), you can expect to see 6,400 fewer children (aged 0-15) by 2032. With 46,900 more people of working age and 7,400 more older people (aged 65 and over). The 20-29 age group are set for the largest change.
Elsewhere, the projections show that between 2022 and 2032, there are estimated to be more births than deaths. The population is projected to increase by 21,465, with 55,887 births and 34,423 deaths. This means that the population would increase in Bristol by 4.5%, compared with an increase of 0.2% in England.
Of course, ‘The Population of Bristol’ report delves into a lot more than what we’ve covered, so to read it all, head here.