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Singles in England and Wales: older and now in the majority Singles in England and Wales: older and now in the majority
(5 months later)
There's more fish in the sea than there were in 2001, according to census analysis on the England and Wales's single population by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).There's more fish in the sea than there were in 2001, according to census analysis on the England and Wales's single population by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Over half (51%) of England and Wales's population aged 16 and over were unmarried in 2011, compared to 47% in 2001. 23m people were divorced, widowed or had never married at all.35% of the population - or 15.7m - had never entered into marriage at all, an increase of five percentage points on the proportion in 2001.Over half (51%) of England and Wales's population aged 16 and over were unmarried in 2011, compared to 47% in 2001. 23m people were divorced, widowed or had never married at all.35% of the population - or 15.7m - had never entered into marriage at all, an increase of five percentage points on the proportion in 2001.
The ONS analysis reads:The ONS analysis reads:
The rise in the single population could be the result of a number of factors, including the proportional decline in marriage since the 1970s and the increased social acceptability of remaining single or cohabiting (either never marrying or not re-marrying following divorce or widowhood).The rise in the single population could be the result of a number of factors, including the proportional decline in marriage since the 1970s and the increased social acceptability of remaining single or cohabiting (either never marrying or not re-marrying following divorce or widowhood).
The average single person in England and Wales is generally older now than they were in 2001.The average single person in England and Wales is generally older now than they were in 2001.
The median age of someone who has never married has increased to 27.5 from 26.9. When you include people who were no longer married, the average age has gone up to 35.6 from 35.The median age of someone who has never married has increased to 27.5 from 26.9. When you include people who were no longer married, the average age has gone up to 35.6 from 35.
Islington was the area with the highest proportion of people who were unmarried at 71%, with most of those having never married at all.Islington was the area with the highest proportion of people who were unmarried at 71%, with most of those having never married at all.
London dominated the top ten local authorities for higher proportions of unmarried people and, understandably, areas with a lower median age tend to have more singles.London dominated the top ten local authorities for higher proportions of unmarried people and, understandably, areas with a lower median age tend to have more singles.
While the area with the highest rate of marriage was East Dorset, where 59.2% of people aged over 16 were currently married.While the area with the highest rate of marriage was East Dorset, where 59.2% of people aged over 16 were currently married.
To see a more detailed geographic breakdown, take a look at this interactive map produced by the ONS: To see a more detailed geographic breakdown, take a look at this interactive map produced by the ONS: