Understanding the UK's Aging Population
The UK's population is aging, with the national median age increasing steadily over the last two decades. However, this trend is not uniform across the country. Official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows significant demographic divides, with some coastal and rural areas experiencing a much more pronounced shift towards older age groups than major cities. This has led to certain towns and villages developing significantly older average age profiles.
The UK's oldest town by median age
While identifying a single “oldest town” can be complex due to differences in geographical definitions used by researchers, a clear frontrunner has emerged in recent analyses. The most authoritative recent data from the ONS, drawing on the 2021 Census, highlighted the trend of small to medium-sized coastal towns attracting the oldest residents.
- Barton-on-Sea: This village on the Hampshire coast consistently appears at the top of lists for the highest median age among smaller settlements. In a 2023 ONS report reviewing 2021 census data, Barton-on-Sea was found to have a median average age of 65, the highest among all similarly-sized communities outside of London. Its position on the clifftops overlooking the Solent makes it a classic seaside retirement destination, a pattern seen across the UK's south coast.
- Other coastal contenders: Other seaside locations also feature prominently. Rustington in West Sussex had a median age of 56 in the 2021 census for medium-sized towns, followed by Bexhill-on-Sea and Seaford (both 54). Earlier reports also pointed to Eastbourne, where one ward had a median age of 71.5 years back in 2015, although the average for the town overall was much lower.
- Small village outliers: The ONS has also identified even smaller villages with extremely high median ages. In 2021, Golden Cross in East Sussex and Torksey Lock in Lincolnshire both had an average age of 74, though their populations are very small (601 and 534 residents respectively). This shows that while large towns may not always be the oldest on average, smaller, retirement-focused communities can skew heavily towards older populations.
Driving forces behind the demographic shift
Several factors contribute to the aging populations seen in these areas:
- Retirement migration: Many older people relocate from cities to more tranquil coastal and rural locations upon retirement. The perceived slower pace of life, natural beauty, and established retiree communities are significant draws. An analysis by the ONS confirmed that migration of older people is often a move away from major cities.
- Lack of younger residents: Rural and coastal towns often face an exodus of younger residents who move away for work or education in larger cities, leaving behind a predominantly older population. This outflow further accelerates the aging process and puts greater pressure on local public services.
- Local economies: Towns with historically weak economies, especially in the industrial north, have seen younger working-age people move away for opportunities elsewhere. As the remaining population has aged, their median age has increased, a pattern seen in cities like Sunderland and Middlesbrough.
How population age varies: coastal vs. inland towns
The pattern of older populations in coastal areas is a well-documented phenomenon. Here is a comparison highlighting the demographic split:
| Feature | Coastal/Seaside Towns (e.g., Barton-on-Sea, Bexhill) | Inland Towns (e.g., Slough, Reading) |
|---|---|---|
| Population Movement | Influx of retirees, outflow of younger people for education and jobs. | Influx of working-age population and international migrants attracted by economic opportunities. |
| Median Age | Significantly higher, reflecting the influx of older residents. Small seaside towns had the highest proportion of residents over 65 in 2019. | Lower, especially in commuter towns near major cities and those with high student populations. |
| Demographic Pressure | Higher demand for health and social care services, impacting local government budgets and resources. | Higher demand for schools, housing, and infrastructure to support a growing working-age population. |
| Economic Drivers | Economies often rely on tourism and services catering to older residents. | Economies driven by diverse industries, finance, and logistics, attracting a younger workforce. |
| Housing Market | Often characterized by a mix of residential and retirement housing, with some areas facing challenges attracting families. | Diverse housing market to accommodate families, young professionals, and students. |
The challenge of planning for an aging population
The demographic changes highlighted by the age profiles of towns like Barton-on-Sea and Bexhill-on-Sea pose significant challenges for local authorities. These places must adapt their public services to meet the growing needs of an older demographic. As the Resolution Foundation highlighted in 2025, vast differences in population age across the country place differing pressures on services like healthcare and social care. Meanwhile, economically struggling areas that are also aging face the dual challenge of declining working-age populations and increased demand for public services. This requires targeted policy to ensure the needs of all residents are met.
Conclusion
While the search for a single town with the oldest average age leads to specific small coastal and rural communities like Barton-on-Sea, the broader trend is what truly matters. Across the UK, a clear pattern of demographic polarization is evident: coastal and rural areas are aging, driven by retirement migration and the outward movement of young people, while major urban centers remain youthful, fueled by work and student populations. This creates a patchwork of diverse local challenges that require nuanced policy responses, from planning for increased healthcare needs in aging seaside towns to providing affordable family housing in bustling cities.
