Census and Population

Population Estimates and Projections

The Isle of Man population report 2023, which can be found under downloadable documents at the side of this page, is the first in a new series of annual estimates of the population of the Isle of Man.

Contained within this report is an estimate of how the Island’s population has changed since the time of the 2021 Isle of Man Census, together with population projections and more detailed information regarding some of the main the characteristics of migration to and from the Isle of Man.

Please note that this estimate is under development and is for the time being an experimental statistic. As such, it may be restated as the methodology is refined and further developed.

Census information

The Isle of Man has held a full census every 10 years since 1821 with interim censuses being introduced from 1966.

The census is a national survey of people and households in the Isle of Man and is needed to provide key information which is not available from any other source. For example, Government will use the information for planning purposes, to assess whether there are enough schools, hospital and maternity facilities etc.

Businesses use the census results when they are considering whether or not to establish a presence in the Island and, if so, where to site new factories, offices and shops. Local authorities also need to know how many people live in their area in order to optimise the services they provide.

Electronic copies of Isle of Man Census Reports are available for 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021.

Unpublished data may be supplied on request. 

Paper copies, including those for years prior to 1996, are available from the Tynwald Library, Legislative Buildings, Finch Road, Douglas, IM1 3PW.

Key data from the last Isle of Man Census held on the night 30 to 31 May 2021 showed:

Residents present	81,797
Resident population - Residents present on Census Night  plus residents absent on Census night	84,069
Visitors present	571
De facto population - Residents present on Census Night  plus visitors in the Island on Census Night	82,368