Population statistics
Oldham is predominantly white (77.5%), with Pakistani heritage (10.1%) and Bangladeshi heritage (7.3%) as the largest minorities. Oldham has a higher proportion (22.5%) of non-white residents than Greater Manchester (16.3%) or England (14.3%). This value has increased significantly from 13.9% in 2001.
Oldham’s population currently stands at 230,823 with 113,661 males (49.2%) and 117,162 females (50.8%) (Office of National Statistics: Mid-Year Estimates 2015).
Breakdown of Population by Ethnic Group
|
|
Oldham
|
Greater Manchester
|
North West
|
England
|
|
White
|
77.5%
|
83.8%
|
90.2%
|
85.5%
|
|
Pakistani
|
10.1%
|
4.8%
|
2.7%
|
2.1%
|
|
Bangladeshi
|
7.3%
|
1.3%
|
0.7%
|
0.8%
|
|
Indian
|
0.7%
|
2.0%
|
1.5%
|
2.6%
|
|
Black (African/Caribbean)
|
1.2%
|
2.8%
|
1.3%
|
3.4%
|
|
Mixed
|
1.8%
|
2.3%
|
1.6%
|
2.2%
|
|
Other Ethnic groups
|
1.4%
|
3.1%
|
2.0%
|
3.2%
|
|
All Ethnic Minorities (Non-White)
|
22.5%
|
16.3%
|
9.8%
|
14.3%
|
Source: UK Census 2011 (KS201)
The ethnic composition of Oldham changed considerably between the 2001 and the 2011 censuses. The proportion of the population from white backgrounds decreased from 86.2% to 77.5%. Meanwhile, the South Asian population continued to grow, with residents of Pakistani heritage increasing from 6.3% to 10.1%, and residents of Bangladeshi heritage increasing from 4.5% to 7.3%. These communities primarily live in the wards surrounding the town centre – typically the most deprived areas in Oldham. The Pakistani community is concentrated in Werneth and St Mary’s and, more recently, has spread into Alexandra, Medlock Vale and Waterhead. The Bangladeshi community is centred upon Coldhurst but has similarly expanded into neighbouring Chadderton North and Werneth.
Oldham's Age
