The United Kingdom is a diverse country made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. With a population of over 66 million people, there is no one single “average” Brit. However, looking at national statistics and trends can give us an idea of what the typical UK resident looks like in terms of demographics like age, gender, ethnicity, height and weight. Understanding the makeup of the population provides insights into British culture, health, economics and identity.
Age and Gender
According to the latest UK census data from 2011, the median age of the population is 39 years old. The largest age group is 45-49 years old. In terms of gender, there are slightly more females than males – with 51% of the population female and 49% male as of 2018.
Life expectancy has been steadily increasing over time. The average newborn girl in the UK today can expect to live to 83 years old, while newborn boys have a life expectancy of 79 years.
Age Distribution
Here is the breakdown of the UK population by age group and gender as of 2018:
| Age Group | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 0-14 years | 19% | 18% |
| 15-24 years | 13% | 12% |
| 25-44 years | 26% | 25% |
| 45-64 years | 25% | 25% |
| 65 years and over | 17% | 20% |
As illustrated in the table, the working-age population between 25-64 makes up the majority at around 50% total. Those aged 65+ make up almost 20% of the total population.
Ethnicity
The UK has become much more ethnically diverse over the past few decades. In the 2011 census, 87.1% of residents identified as White British. The next largest ethnic groups were Asian/Asian British at 7.5%, Black/African/Caribbean/Black British at 3.3%, Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups at 2.2% and Other ethnic group at 1%.
The populations of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland vary in their ethnic makeup:
- England: 79.8% White British, 7.5% Asian, 3.5% Black, 2.3% Mixed, 1.0% Other
- Wales: 93.2% White British, 2.3% Asian, 1.0% Mixed, 0.6% Black, 0.6% Other
- Scotland: 84% White British, 3.0% Asian, 0.8% Polish, 0.6% Mixed, 0.4% African, 0.2% Caribbean
- Northern Ireland: 98.21% White, 1.02% Asian, 0.32% Black, 0.28% Mixed, 0.18% Other
So while England is the most ethnically diverse, Wales and Northern Ireland have the highest percentages of White British residents. The non-British population of the UK is projected to continue growing in the coming decades.
Height and Weight
When it comes to stature, the average height for British men is 5 ft 9 in (175.3 cm) and for women is 5 ft 3 in (161.6 cm). This puts the UK in the middle of the global height rankings, with taller countries in Europe like the Netherlands topping the list.
However, the average weights of Brits have been increasing over time, reflecting rising obesity levels. In 1993, the average man weighed 79.2kg and average woman 65.4kg. By 2016, the average weights had increased to 86kg for men and 70.2kg for women.
Here are the latest statistics on weight distribution among UK adults from 2016:
Weight Distribution
| Weight Status | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | 1.7% | 3.3% |
| Normal weight | 35.2% | 42.6% |
| Overweight | 42.2% | 32.7% |
| Obese | 20.9% | 21.4% |
Over 60% of UK men are overweight or obese compared to 54% of women. Raising awareness of healthy eating and exercise habits from a young age can help improve these concerning trends of rising obesity.
Location
The majority of the UK population is concentrated in England, which accounts for 84% of residents. London is by far the largest city with over 9 million inhabitants. Other major English cities include Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield and Manchester.
Population density is also unequally spread. England has 430 people per square kilometer compared to just 148 in Scotland and 152 in Northern Ireland. London and southeast England have the highest densities while rural Wales and southwest England have the lowest.
Urbanization has accelerated in Britain, with over 80% of people now living in towns and cities compared to just 50% in Victorian times. The average Briton resides in urban areas and is concentrated in the proximity of London or other major hubs.
Occupation
Employment statistics reveal insights into the most common jobs held by British workers:
- Health and social work – 15%
- Wholesale and retail trade – 15%
- Education – 9%
- Manufacturing – 8%
- Professional, scientific and technical – 8%
- Construction – 8%
- Public administration and defense – 7%
- Transport and storage – 5%
- Accommodation and food services – 5%
- Administrative and support services – 4%
The top three industries account for nearly 40% of all employment. Traditional blue-collar manufacturing jobs have declined while service sector roles in retail, healthcare, education and hospitality have grown. The average Briton now works in services rather than manual labor.
Households
The make up of British households has changed over the decades:
- In the 1960s, the nuclear family household with a married couple and children was the norm. 45% of families matched this traditional composition.
- In 2019, only 29% of families had this structure. The most common household now is a married or cohabiting couple with no children, accounting for 36% of families.
- Single adult households have nearly doubled from 18% to 34% today.
- Single parent families make up 8% of households currently.
- Multi-family households are increasing due to high housing costs and account for 3% of families.
The average household size has shrunk from 3.0 persons in the 1960s to 2.4 in 2019. Higher divorces, an aging population and delayed childbearing have all impacted the shifting household makeup.
Marriage and Relationships
Although marriage rates are declining, it remains a common practice in the UK. Other key trends include:
- 51% of the adult population is married. Cohabiting unions outside of marriage have risen sharply.
- The average age for first marriages is 32 for women and 34 for men, up from the early 20s in previous decades.
- The divorce rate stands at 42%, down from a peak of 47% in the 2000s.
- Same-sex marriages have risen since being legalized in 2014, accounting for 1 in 50 weddings now.
- Single person households are now the second largest group.
So while weddings remain fairly mainstream, the dynamics around marriage are changing. Cohabitation, delayed marriage and a rising divorce rate mean the average Brit experiences a diversity of relationship statuses over their lifetime.
Religion
Christianity historically dominated Britain, but religious affiliation has declined:
- In 2019, 52.5% of people identified as Christian, down from 59% in 2011.
- 37% indicated no religion, up from 25% in 2011.
- After Christianity, the next largest religious groups were Muslim (4.9%), Hindu (1.6%), Sikh (0.8%), Jewish (0.5%) and Buddhist (0.4%).
- Young adults under 40 were the most likely to be non-religious or unaffiliated.
Secularism is rising rapidly, with over a third of Brits now non-religious. The average UK resident identifies as Christian, but adherence to traditional religious beliefs and church attendance has weakened.
Education
Educational outcomes provide insight into the knowledge and skills of the population:
- 83% graduate from secondary school.
- 43% attend some form of post-secondary education.
- 33% obtain a university degree or equivalent vocational qualification.
- 27% hold a bachelor’s degree as their highest qualification.
- Postgraduate degrees are held by 11%.
While most complete mandatory secondary schooling, the portion pursuing higher academic or vocational education continues to expand. Government policy aims to increase the number with post-secondary and university qualifications.
Political Affiliation
The UK public is split between the two main political parties:
- Around a third of people identify as Conservatives.
- Around a third identify as Labour.
- 15% Liberal Democrats.
- 6% Scottish National Party.
- 2% Greens.
However, nearly half waver between parties or identify as centrists. The average Briton does not have strong partisan leanings and may switch allegiances between elections.
Values and Attitudes
Despite differences across generations, several core values unite British society:
- Patriotism – A majority express pride in being British and their heritage.
- Humour – Dry, sarcastic, self-deprecating humour is treasured.
- Moderation – Extremes are frowned upon in favour of balance and rationality.
- Privacy – Keeping a reserved “stiff upper lip” remains prized.
- Understatement – Modesty and subtlety is preferred over flashiness.
- Social conscience – A sense of charity, philanthropy and justice.
However, the UK has also experienced a cultural liberalization over decades. The average Briton today is more inclusive on issues like gender roles, same-sex marriage and racial diversity compared to previous older generations.
Health
Health statistics for the UK population:
- Life expectancy: 79 years for males, 83 years for females.
- Under 5 mortality rate: 4 deaths per 1,000 births.
- Fertility rate: 1.7 births per woman.
- Overweight and obesity rate: 63% of adults.
- Hypertension: 32% have high blood pressure.
- Smokers: 14.4% of adults.
- Hazardous alcohol use: 24% engage in binge drinking.
While most enjoy long lifespans, areas of concern include rising obesity, high blood pressure, smoking among some cohorts and alcohol abuse – which impact long-term health outcomes. Access to healthcare is universal under the National Health Service.
Conclusion
While diverse, a few attributes define the average UK resident today:
– Lives in England, especially London or other large city
– White British ethnicity
– Christian faith, but increasingly secular
– Politically centrist
– Works in services like healthcare, retail, education
– Married or cohabiting without children in the household
– Overweight but living longer lifespan
– Values tradition and moderation but also tolerance
The UK population has undergone gradual changes in demographics, beliefs, family structures and health over the past decades. Although impacted by immigration, globalization and liberal social trends, the average Brit retains a moderate, reserved temperament rooted in British heritage. With rising diversity and individualism, the concept of a single “average” or typical citizen will likely continue to evolve in the future.