Cambridge

Key figures

16 of 16 measures have a published figure for Cambridge. Each figure is the publisher’s own, for the period named beside it.

Why the population is changing

The ONS breaks the year’s population change into its components (Year to mid-2025). These are its published figures for Cambridge, not our estimates.

• 1,153 births and 828 deaths: natural change added 325 people.
• Moves within the UK (net) reduced the population by 3,151.
• International migration (net) added 1,110 people.
• The ONS’s balancing item (“Other”, mainly armed forces and prisoner adjustments) reduced the figure by 78.
• Altogether the population fell by 1,794 over the year (the sum of the components above — our addition of the ONS’s published figures).

Each component is a series in its own right: births, deaths, moves within the UK and international migration.

Population change, year by year

The same decomposition for every published year in Cambridge: births and deaths, net moves within the UK, net international migration, and the ONS’s balancing item.

Years to mid-2024 are the ONS’s rebased back series, made consistent with Census 2021 — its figures deliberately differ from the estimates published at the time. Every cell is a published figure; the total is the sum of net moves, natural change and other, which is our addition. A dash is a year the source does not publish for this area, never a zero.

Rates per 1,000 residents

The same population flows, adjusted for Cambridge’s size, so they can be compared with any other area’s: each year’s flow divided by the population that mid-year, times 1,000.

A Civometry calculation, not a published figure: ONS publishes these flows and the population, but not the rates. Net rates are signed — below zero means more left than arrived. Rates are crude, not age-standardised, so areas with very different age structures still differ for reasons size cannot remove. Each link shows the full recipe and every year.

Pay against housing costs

How pay in Cambridge moved over its latest published year, beside how the cost of buying and renting moved over theirs. The three series come from different publishers on different timetables, so each row covers its own year, named in the row.

average house price and average private rent rose faster than pay over these periods.

Levels are the publishers’ own (ONS ASHE median annual pay for full-time employees living in the area; HM Land Registry UK House Price Index; ONS Price Index of Private Rents). The percentage changes are Civometry arithmetic on the two published values in each row. Pay is a survey of employees and says nothing about a particular household; one year is weather, not climate.

Who runs the council

Labour minority administration (2026) — Labour 17, Green 12, Liberal Democrat 11, Conservative 1, Other and independent 1 of 42 seats.

Since 2016: Labour (2016–2025); Labour minority administration (2026)

Not an official statistic. Compiled by Open Council Data UK, an independent project, not by any government department: no official body publishes council political control. Councils are matched to GSS codes by name here; county councils and districts abolished before the current boundaries are not included. This is the one dataset on the site that is not read from an official publication, and every page that shows it says so. Source: Open Council Data UK (CC0).

Between the censuses

How Cambridge’s religion, ethnic-group and country-of-birth make-up changed between the 2011 and 2021 censuses, category by category. The two censuses compared.

Crime

16,451 recorded offences in the 12 months to June 2026, 109.8 per 1,000 residents. Full crime profile, by category and month.

Published for this area

• Median annual pay, full-time employees, by area of residence2025 · down 2.0% on a year earlier · ONS, published 23 October 2025£43,741
• Births by local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 20261,153people
• Census 2011 country of birthCensus 2011 · ONS, published 30 January 2013123,867people
• Census 2021 country of birthCensus 2021 · ONS, published 2 November 2022145,674people
• Census 2011 ethnic group (detailed)Census 2011 · ONS, published 2 September 2026123,867people
• Census 2021 ethnic group (detailed)Census 2021 · ONS, published 2 September 2026145,674people
• Census 2011 ethnic group (five broad groups)Census 2011 · ONS, published 2 September 2026123,867people
• Census 2021 ethnic group (five broad groups)Census 2021 · ONS, published 2 September 2026145,674people
• Census 2021 ethnic group by age bandCensus 2021 · ONS, published 2 September 2026145,666people
• Census 2011 usual residentsCensus 2011 · ONS, published 2 September 2026123,867people
• Census 2021 usual residentsCensus 2021 · ONS, published 2 September 2026145,674people
• Census 2011 religionCensus 2011 · ONS, published 2 September 2026123,867people
• Census 2021 religionCensus 2021 · ONS, published 2 September 2026145,672people
• People claiming unemployment-related benefitsJuly 2026 · down 1.8% on a year earlier · ONS, published 18 August 20262,240people
• Claimants as a proportion of residents aged 16 to 64July 2026 · down 0.1 points on a year earlier · ONS, published 18 August 20262%
• Band D council tax by billing authorityYear ending March 2027 · up 4.7% on a year earlier · MHCLG, published 25 March 2026£2,467
• Deaths by local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 2026828people
• Mean domestic electricity consumption per meter2024 · DESNZ, published 18 December 20253,119kWh a year
• Employment deprivation rate2025 · MHCLG, published 17 November 20256.7%
• Mean domestic gas consumption per meter2024 · DESNZ, published 5 May 202611,593kWh a year
• House price annual changeJune 2026 · up 0.2 points on a year earlier · HM Land Registry, published 20 August 2026-1.2%
• Average house priceJune 2026 · down 1.2% on a year earlier · HM Land Registry, published 20 August 2026£471,098
• Deprivation: IMD average score2025 · MHCLG, published 17 November 202511.5
• Deprivation: share of small areas in England's most deprived tenth2025 · MHCLG, published 17 November 20250%
• Income deprivation rate2025 · MHCLG, published 17 November 202513.2%
• Net internal migration by local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 2026-3,151people
• International migration into a local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 20265,352people
• Net international migration by local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 20261,110people
• International migration out of a local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 20264,242people
• Births minus deaths by local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 2026325people
• Other population change by local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 2026-78people
• Population by local authorityMid-2024 · up 0.3% on a year earlier · ONS, published 26 September 2025149,352people
• Private rent annual changeJuly 2026 · up 0.1 points on a year earlier · ONS, published 19 August 20261.9%
• Average private rent a monthJuly 2026 · up 1.9% on a year earlier · ONS, published 19 August 2026£1,806
• Median weekly pay, full-time employees, by area of residence2025 · up 4.1% on a year earlier · ONS, published 23 October 2025£867

National figures that apply here

These are not measured for Cambridge; they are the figure for the nation or the UK, shown because they apply to everyone in it.

• Average Band D council tax (England average)Year ending March 2027 · up 4.9%£2,392
• Unemployment rate (UK)2026 Q2 · up 0.2 points4.9%
• Universal Credit caseload (Great Britain)Year ending March 2025 · up 16.3%5,473,000households
• Persistent absence (England)2024/25 academic year · down 1.8 points18.1%
• Average annual electricity bill (UK)2025 · down 1.3%£1,069

Then and now

The first and last years published for Cambridge, and the difference between the two. Both figures are published for this area; the difference is those two numbers subtracted, which you can check by hand.

• £1,866Year ending March 2021→£2,467Year ending March 2027

  Band D council tax by billing authority

  In Cambridge, band D council tax by billing authority rose from £1,866 in the year ending March 2021 to £2,467 in the year ending March 2027, a change of £601 or 32.2%, in cash terms, not adjusted for inflation (MHCLG).

  How this figure was worked out

  £2,467 in the year ending March 2027 − £1,866 in the year ending March 2021 = £601, which is 32.2% of the figure for the year ending March 2021.

  The two ends are rounded for display. The published figures are 2,467.02 and 1,866.42, and 2,467.02 − 1,866.42 = 600.60.

  7 published years spanning 6 years, from MHCLG. Years before the current series come from Band D council tax by billing authority, 2020-21 to 2024-25, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure. Cash terms: these are the amounts as published, not adjusted for inflation.

  In Cambridge, band D council tax by billing authority rose from £1,866 in the year ending March 2021 to £2,467 in the year ending March 2027, a change of £601 or 32.2%, in cash terms, not adjusted for inflation (MHCLG).

  Copy with source

• £29,2142008→£43,7412025

  Median annual pay, full-time employees, by area of residence

  In Cambridge, median annual pay, full-time employees, by area of residence rose from £29,214 in 2008 to £43,741 in 2025, a change of £14,527 or 49.7%, in cash terms, not adjusted for inflation (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  £43,741 in 2025 − £29,214 in 2008 = £14,527, which is 49.7% of the figure for 2008.

  18 published years spanning 17 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from Median annual pay, full-time employees, by area of residence, 2002 to 2023, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure. Cash terms: these are the amounts as published, not adjusted for inflation.

  In Cambridge, median annual pay, full-time employees, by area of residence rose from £29,214 in 2008 to £43,741 in 2025, a change of £14,527 or 49.7%, in cash terms, not adjusted for inflation (ONS).

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• £5252008→£8672025

  Median weekly pay, full-time employees, by area of residence

  In Cambridge, median weekly pay, full-time employees, by area of residence rose from £525 in 2008 to £867 in 2025, a change of £342 or 65.2%, in cash terms, not adjusted for inflation (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  £867 in 2025 − £525 in 2008 = £342, which is 65.2% of the figure for 2008.

  The two ends are rounded for display. The published figures are 866.90 and 524.60, and 866.90 − 524.60 = 342.30.

  18 published years spanning 17 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from Median weekly pay, full-time employees, by area of residence, 2002 to 2023, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure. Cash terms: these are the amounts as published, not adjusted for inflation.

  In Cambridge, median weekly pay, full-time employees, by area of residence rose from £525 in 2008 to £867 in 2025, a change of £342 or 65.2%, in cash terms, not adjusted for inflation (ONS).

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• -772Year to mid-2012→-3,151Year to mid-2025

  Net internal migration by local authority

  In Cambridge, net internal migration by local authority fell from -772 in Year to mid-2012 to -3,151 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 2,379 or 308.2% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  -3,151 in Year to mid-2025 − -772 in Year to mid-2012 = −2,379, which is 308.2% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from Internal migration net by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Cambridge, net internal migration by local authority fell from -772 in Year to mid-2012 to -3,151 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 2,379 or 308.2% (ONS).

  Copy with source

• 5,038Year to mid-2012→5,352Year to mid-2025

  International migration into a local authority

  In Cambridge, international migration into a local authority rose from 5,038 in Year to mid-2012 to 5,352 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 314 or 6.2% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  5,352 in Year to mid-2025 − 5,038 in Year to mid-2012 = 314, which is 6.2% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from International migration in by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Cambridge, international migration into a local authority rose from 5,038 in Year to mid-2012 to 5,352 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 314 or 6.2% (ONS).

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• 3,437Year to mid-2012→4,242Year to mid-2025

  International migration out of a local authority

  In Cambridge, international migration out of a local authority rose from 3,437 in Year to mid-2012 to 4,242 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 805 or 23.4% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  4,242 in Year to mid-2025 − 3,437 in Year to mid-2012 = 805, which is 23.4% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from International migration out by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Cambridge, international migration out of a local authority rose from 3,437 in Year to mid-2012 to 4,242 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 805 or 23.4% (ONS).

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• 1,601Year to mid-2012→1,110Year to mid-2025

  Net international migration by local authority

  In Cambridge, net international migration by local authority fell from 1,601 in Year to mid-2012 to 1,110 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 491 or 30.7% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  1,110 in Year to mid-2025 − 1,601 in Year to mid-2012 = −491, which is 30.7% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from International migration net by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Cambridge, net international migration by local authority fell from 1,601 in Year to mid-2012 to 1,110 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 491 or 30.7% (ONS).

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• 1,527Year to mid-2012→1,153Year to mid-2025

  Births by local authority

  In Cambridge, births by local authority fell from 1,527 in Year to mid-2012 to 1,153 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 374 or 24.5% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  1,153 in Year to mid-2025 − 1,527 in Year to mid-2012 = −374, which is 24.5% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from Births by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Cambridge, births by local authority fell from 1,527 in Year to mid-2012 to 1,153 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 374 or 24.5% (ONS).

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• 841Year to mid-2012→828Year to mid-2025

  Deaths by local authority

  In Cambridge, deaths by local authority fell from 841 in Year to mid-2012 to 828 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 13 or 1.5% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  828 in Year to mid-2025 − 841 in Year to mid-2012 = −13, which is 1.5% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from Deaths by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Cambridge, deaths by local authority fell from 841 in Year to mid-2012 to 828 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 13 or 1.5% (ONS).

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• 686Year to mid-2012→325Year to mid-2025

  Births minus deaths by local authority

  In Cambridge, births minus deaths by local authority fell from 686 in Year to mid-2012 to 325 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 361 or 52.6% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  325 in Year to mid-2025 − 686 in Year to mid-2012 = −361, which is 52.6% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from Natural change by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Cambridge, births minus deaths by local authority fell from 686 in Year to mid-2012 to 325 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 361 or 52.6% (ONS).

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• 439Year to mid-2012→-78Year to mid-2025

  Other population change by local authority

  In Cambridge, other population change by local authority fell from 439 in Year to mid-2012 to -78 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 517 or 117.8% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  -78 in Year to mid-2025 − 439 in Year to mid-2012 = −517, which is 117.8% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from Other population change by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Cambridge, other population change by local authority fell from 439 in Year to mid-2012 to -78 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 517 or 117.8% (ONS).

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Compare Cambridge with another place

Every figure both areas publish, side by side, from its own publisher with the period named:

• Cambridge and Birmingham
• Cambridge and Leeds
• Cambridge and North Yorkshire
• Cambridge and Somerset
• Cambridge and Cornwall
• Cambridge and Buckinghamshire

Or open any two areas as /compare/places/<area>/<area> — the address carries the whole comparison.

Nearby areas

The closest other local authorities, each with its own report card and a side-by-side comparison:

• South Cambridgeshire · compare

Areas like Cambridge

The local authorities whose published rents, pay, house prices, council tax and claimant count sit closest to Cambridge’s, wherever they are in the UK. Computed from the figures, not curated.

• Reigate and Banstead · compare
• Sevenoaks · compare
• Horsham · compare
• Mole Valley · compare
• Guildford · compare
• Runnymede · compare

Since you moved here

Pick the year you arrived, and see what every series published for Cambridge said then and says now, with the periods named. Cambridge since you moved here, or read the whole run year by year.

Where these figures come from

Every figure above is published by the body named here, for the release named here. Figures marked as a Civometry calculation are arithmetic on those published figures and are not official statistics.

Not yet published here

Income, employment, benefits by area, health, education and religion for Cambridge are on the way where an open official source exists; where one does not, the data gaps register says why. Local claimant counts are behind a login.