Age Structure
Southampton is one of the largest cities in the South East region outside London. It is a cosmopolitan city that is home to 239,700 people speaking over 40 languages. The city's population amounts to approximately 0.4% of the UK population; 2.8% of the South East and 19.4% of the Hampshire area.
In Southampton there are only slightly more men than women; in the 'older people' group the gap increases and women outnumber men by approximately 4,000. The number has significantly decreased (from 9,200 in 2008) due to changed retirement age for women. It is gradually going to increase and become the same as for men - 64.*
Around 71% of Southampton's residents are of working age, the rate is higher than the South East region's rate of 63.9% and the national rate of 64.8%; as the percentage rate for Southampton has increased the rate for both the South East and the UK has decreased.
* The ONS decided that, from August 2010, the current working age measures will be replaced with measures based on those aged from 16 to 64 for both men and women. This change will bring the UK into line with current international practice.
