At hpjv solicitors, we recently analysed the latest 2021 Census results to gather data about where the 65+ age group are currently living in Wales.
By making a comparison between the most recent results and the data from the 2011 census, we discovered that Wales is fast becoming one of the most popular spots for retirement.
All local authorities in Wales have seen an increase in the percentage population of 65+ year olds since 2011. The Wales local authorities that saw the largest population increase between 2011 and 2021 were as follows:
- Ceredigion, 5.05%
- Powys, 5.03%
- Monmouthshire, 4.95%
- Pembrokeshire, 4.29%
- Isle of Anglesey, 3.98%
- Denbighshire, 3.84%
- Flintshire, 3.82%
- Caerphilly, 3.65%
- The Vale of Glamorgan, 3.60%
- Carmarthenshire, 3.39%
- Wrexham, 3.26%
Other local authorities in Wales that also experienced an increase in the over 65 population, yet to a lesser extent, include:
- Conwy, 2.91%
- Bridgend, 2.90%
- Torfaen, 2.72%
- Gwynedd, 2.63%
- Swansea, 2.59%
- Neath Port Talbot, 2.52%
- Rhondda Cynon Taf, 2.51%
- Blaenau Gwent, 2.46%
- Merthyr Tydfil, 2.22%
- Cardiff, 1.32%
- Newport, 0.75%
The Most Popular Areas for Retirement in Wales
According to our data, Ceredigion is now the most popular place for retirement in Wales, seeing an increase of 5.05% of over 65-year-olds living here since the last Census.
Ceredigion is a charming place for retirement, boasting beautiful countryside and coastal areas, including Cardigan Bay, a well-known place for dolphin spotting. There are also many cultural gems to explore, such as the Aberystwyth Arts Centre and the Llanerchaeron National Trust House.
Another top retirement location in Wales is Powys, which saw a 5.03% increase in the over 65 age group since 2011. With plenty of lush green landscapes set against the magnificent mountains of Powys, it’s no surprise that Powys has become a favourite place for retirees.
The Least Popular Areas in Wales for Retirement
All local authorities in Wales experienced a percentage increase in the over 65 population, though some experienced a lesser increase than others.
The least popular area for the over 65-year-olds in Wales was Newport, an area that’s historically attracted the 20-39 age group, and continues to do so. Newport, in fact, saw a 1.61% increase of 20-39 year olds living here between 2011 and 2021.
The increase in the younger generation in Newport may be explained by the cost of living.
Newport has relatively low living costs compared to other cities.
According to Numbeo the cost of living for a single person in Newport is around £628.36 without rent, while the average cost of a one bedroom apartment out of the city centre is £525.
Other Statistics for the Wales Region
The research also shed some light on the percentage population decreases for other age groups in the Wales areas.
For all the Local Authorities in Wales, the percentage population of 0-19 and 40-64 year olds decreased between 2011 and 2021, apart from the following areas, which stayed the same:
- 0-19 year olds: Neath Port Talbot, Cardiff and Isle of Anglesey
- 40-64 year olds: Cardiff
The areas with the largest decreases for each age group were:
- 0-19 year olds: Monmouthshire (-3.01%), Powys (-2.69%) and Ceredigion (-2.65%)
- 20-39 year olds: Isle of Anglesey (-1.73%) and Wrexham (-1.52%)
- 40-64 year olds: Powys (-2.64%) and Monmouthshire (-2.39%)
Why is Wales Such a Popular Place for Retirement?
Research from the Office of National Statistics shows that, across the UK, ‘Wales has the oldest population’, with the highest median age of over 65 year olds and over 85 year olds. It’s not only that retirees are choosing to move to Wales, but that Wales has an aging population in general.
Over the last few years, house prices in Wales have been rising steadily. According to Business Live, ‘A total of 17 local authorities in Wales reported quarterly rises, up from 13 in Q3 2021.’
Many of the younger generations are struggling to get on the property ladder and, consequently, they have drawn towards cheaper areas that aren’t experiencing such price increases.
Generally speaking, older people tend to be drawn towards rural areas of natural beauty, the coasts and national parks, while the younger individuals are more likely to choose city spots with increased work opportunities and thriving night life. Instead, the data shows that the changes to working from home have attracted young people to coastal regions in England, like Cornwall and Torbay, instead of Wales.
Brexit offers another potential explanation for the increased number of retirees in Wales. In a post-Brexit world, UK citizens who wish to retire to the EU are faced with new immigration restrictions. Due to this, we’re seeing an influx of people who are opting to retire in picturesque Wales.
Looking to Move to an Up-and-Coming Retirement Spot in Wales?
If you’re looking to move house and need assistance with the conveyancing process, contact hpjv solicitors on 01633 242526 or head to our conveyancing page for more information. Our expert conveyancing team can provide all the support you need to find your perfect retirement home.
Data Sources
- Population and household estimates, Wales: Census 2021 from Office for National Statistics
- 2011 Census: Population Estimates by five-year age bands, and Household Estimates, for Local Authorities in the United Kingdom from Office for National Statistics
- Living longer: trends in subnational ageing across the UK from Office for National Statistics
- The average house price in Wales hits record high as sales soar from Business Live
Our Methodology
Throughout this article, we have referenced information from the Office for National Statistics 2021 and 2011 Census results.
To find the percentage of residents living in a certain area, we first calculated the percentage of people in that age group in the area, then divided that by the total number of people living in that location. We calculated these results for both the 2021 Census data and the data from 2011.
To work out the percentage decreases and increases per age category, we calculated the percentage differences between 2011 and 2021.
While this data was taken from dependable sources, the analysis reflects that of hpjv researchers.
