Census shows Galway’s population continues to grow

The population of Galway city and county has reached more than 258,000 – an increase of three per cent – according to preliminary figures from the 2016 Census.

Preliminary figures released from April’s Census 2016 show the number of ‘empties’ in the city and county is down by 6.3% over the past five years.

The population of the city and county stands at 258,552, which is up 3.2% on the 250, 653 recorded in Census 2011.

The figures show there are 127,819 males (up 2.5% or 3,061) and 130,733 females (up 3.8% or 4,838) in the city and county as a whole.

A spokesperson for the Central Statistics Office (CSO) said: “The total change in the population between censuses is the combined effect of natural increase and net migration – a measure of the movements of persons into and out of the State.

“The natural increase in the population is estimated at 198,282 giving an estimated net migration of -28,558 for the State. Net migration on a county basis varied widely across the state with most counties experiencing net outward migration while a small number (such as Dublin and Galway) witnessed net inward movements.

“Net migration for Galway City is estimated at -37 persons and at -3,168 for Galway County.”

A breakdown of the figures shows the city’s population is up 5.3% (3,975) from 75,529 to 79,504. There are 38,207 males (up 4.6% or 1,693) and 41,297 females (up 5.9% or 2,282) in the city.

Figures specifically for the county show there were 179,048 people recorded by the enumerators on ‘Census Day’ in April – up 2.2% (3,924) from 175,124 to 179,048. There were 89,612 males (up 1.6% or 1,368) and 89,436 (up 2.9% or 2,556).