With the publication of the census data for 2021 by the Office for National Statistics, several marked differences have been noted across the country but also on a local level.

In Teignbridge (which comprises Dawlish, Teignmouth, Exminster, Newton Abbot, Moretonhampstead, Ashburton and more), the population has increased and aged considerably, while the number of people describing themselves as Christian fell by 15 per cent.

Population

The population of Teignbridge increased by 8.5 per cent between 2011 and 2021, from around 124,200 to around 134,800.

Population growth was higher in Teignbridge than across the South West and the rest of England on average.

The median age of Teignbridge increased by two years, from 47 to 49 years of age.

The number of people aged 65 to 74 rose by just over 4,400, while the number of residents between 35 and 49 years fell by around 2,600.

Religion

In 2021, 47.2 per cent of people in Teignbridge described themselves as Christian, down from 62.2 per cent in 2011.

These changes reflect a trend across England and Wales, with people identifying as Christian at 46.2%, down from 59.3% in 2011.

The proportion of people reporting having "No religion" in Teignbridge was 44.8 per cent in 2021, up from 28.1 per cent in 2011. This is slightly higher than the rest of England and Wales, where the figure was 37.2 per cent.