Summary statistics by regions of Wales: 2020

Statistical data is used widely to support regional planning across Wales. This series of reports bring together in one place key data on the economy, population and infrastructure in Wales to meet user needs for data on four Welsh regions (north Wales, mid Wales, south west Wales, and south east Wales). The mid and south west Wales region has been split into separate regions for mid Wales and south west Wales to provide more detailed analysis on the key issues and trends in these areas.

Although these reports are split into chapters, it is important to remember that there is interaction between the various topics and when using the information for planning the data should be put into context.

Differences between parts of Wales can often be down to the demographic or socio-economic characteristics of a region. For example, levels of economic activity are influenced more by qualification levels than where a person lives. An older, less economically active, population in an area will influence levels of economic output per head.

Demographic trends vary across Wales in terms of age distribution and natural change, leading to differences in future population and housing trends across and within the regions.

Geographical context is also important, for example in considering data on infrastructure, either physical or digital. The interconnectedness with the rest of the UK means our economic performance is closely linked to UK and global trends, and in many border areas commuting levels will impact on some measures of economic output.

Data accuracy

Due to the high number of sources included in this publication and the time taken to compile it, more recent data has been published for some sources. The majority of the data was known to be the most recently available as at 30 January 2020. Housing need estimates have not been included as the publication of this data which was also scheduled for 20 May has been postponed.

On 18 May 2020, the Office for National Statistics stated that they have identified some processing errors affecting the 2018-based national population projections. This mainly affects the flows between England and Wales. The impact of this is major and the data will be revised. Therefore, population and household projections have not been included in these reports.

Future updates

Although we don’t plan to regularly update these reports, they’ve been updated now to support the continuing development of the National Development Framework (NDF) following consultation on the draft NDF in autumn 2019. Regional data is available on StatWales and in dashboard format below. These are updated as new data becomes available.