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Alternative populations

Statistics are available for two alternative populations: daytime population and workplace population.

Census 2021 took place during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a period of rapid change which will have affected where people worked and studied. For example, it is possible that some people on furlough may have identified as economically inactive, instead of temporarily away from work. To ensure that students were counted fully in Census 2021, a post-collection process to address any overcount/duplication was carried out. Read our Census 2021 student information paper for more information.

Published data

View alternative populations tables by population type:

  • daytime population
  • workplace population
  • CT0102 Census 2021 populations
  • CT0103 Reconciliation of daytime population
  • CT0104 Reconciliation of workplace population

Download all Census 2021 alternative populations tables (Zip, 14 MB)

Supporting information

Our Census 2021 alternative populations statistical bulletin describes the daytime and workplace populations compared with usual residents. It includes age-sex distribution and characteristics for both populations.

Types of alternative populations

Daytime population

The population and characteristics of people in the area during the daytime. It includes all usual residents who are either in employment or in full-time education in the area, or who are neither in employment nor in full-time education and live in the area. People with a work or study address outside Northern Ireland are excluded.

Workplace population

The population and characteristics of people working in the area. It includes all usual residents aged 16 and over (excluding full-time students) in Northern Ireland at their place of employment. People with a workplace address outside Northern Ireland are excluded.

Last updated: 03 March 2025

Related to Alternative populations

Publications

  • Census 2021 alternative populations for Northern Ireland

    Published 08 August 2024
  • CT0103 Reconciliation of daytime population

    Published 08 August 2024
  • Census 2021 alternative populations daytime tables

    Published 08 August 2024
  • CT0102 Census 2021 populations

    Published 08 August 2024
See all publications in this topic

Links

  • Official Statistics producer – Upholding Trust, Quality and Value
  • General Register Office - registration and certification of life events relating to births, deaths and marriages
  • nidirect.gov.uk – the official government website for Northern Ireland citizens
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