Isle of Man Population Inches Up – But We’re Still Nowhere Near 100k

Latest estimates suggest the Isle of Man’s population is on the rise – but if you were hoping we’d be hitting Alf’s magic 100,000 anytime soon, don’t hold your breath.

A report from the number-crunchers at the Cabinet Office reckons there were 84,523 people living on the island at the end of the first quarter of 2024.

That’s an increase of 454 since the 2021 Census – or about 159 extra people a year. Not exactly a baby boom, is it?

In fact, when you look at the bigger picture, our population is only 26 people higher than it was in 2011. Yep, we’ve gained about one extra classroom of people in over a decade.

Growth slowed significantly in 2023, and the report even suggests we lost people in the first quarter of this year – but no one’s sure yet if that trend will continue.

So, where are these new residents coming from?

The main driver of population growth is inward migration – 5,694 people have moved to the island since 2021. But before you start thinking we’re the new Dubai, hold your horses.

A whopping 4,419 people have packed up and left in the same period, with departures spiking in 2023.

Meanwhile, our natural population change isn’t exactly helping matters.

Deaths continue to outnumber births, with 907 people passing away in 2023 compared to just 485 babies being born. The maths isn’t looking great.

Despite the belief that most newcomers are retirees looking for a quiet life, stats show that 77% of new arrivals are under 50, with an average age of 39.

In contrast, nearly half (47%) of those leaving are aged 20 to 34 – likely heading off for career progression or the classic ‘uni and never coming back’ situation.

So, while the Manx Government still has its sights set on a six-figure population, at this rate, it might take a while to get there.