More people leave Birmingham for elsewhere in the UK than arrive

Far more people left Birmingham for other parts of the UK than moved in during the year to mid-2025, according to the latest official population estimates.

The figures from the Office for National Statistics show that, for moves within the UK, the city had a net loss of nearly 20,000 people.

Where the growth came from

Other factors offset much of that loss. Almost 10,000 people settled in Birmingham through international migration, and about 6,000 were added because there were more births than deaths.

Birmingham Live reports that the city's population shrank overall during the year.

Rugby grows fastest

It was a different story in Rugby, which was the fastest-growing area in England. The borough's population rose by almost 3,000 in the 12 months, more than anywhere else, mostly because of people moving there from elsewhere in the UK. Only 463 arrived through international migration.

Sandwell, just over the city boundary, was also a popular destination for people leaving Birmingham.

Why people move

People leave big cities for many reasons: to find a bigger or cheaper home, to be near family, for schools, or for a quieter life once they have children. Towns with good rail and road links, such as Rugby, which is under an hour from London by train, have become popular with commuters and families.

Rapid growth brings its own pressures, and existing residents in growing towns often worry about access to GP surgeries, school places and busier roads.

A young, diverse city

Birmingham remains the largest local authority area in Europe by population, with about 1.15 million people at the 2021 Census, and it is one of the youngest cities in Europe. A large share of its population growth comes from natural change, with many young families in the city.

Movements in and out of the city each year are large. Students arrive at its universities, many graduates move away for work, and families relocate in both directions. The ONS estimates are based on records such as GP registrations and tax and benefit data, and are revised as better information becomes available.

What it means

Population figures matter because they shape how government funding is allocated to councils and health services, and how the city plans for homes, schools and transport.

The city council's draft local plan sets out how many new homes Birmingham needs over the coming years, and campaigners say a shortage of affordable family homes is one reason some households move out to neighbouring areas.