Island Population Hits 104,540

Jersey Population Rises Slightly Amid Ageing Demographics

Jersey’s population grew modestly last year, reaching an estimated 104,540 residents at the end of 2024, according to the latest figures from Statistics Jersey. This marks an increase of 510 people compared to the previous year, which itself was revised to show a growth of 380.

The report highlights that the island’s population is ageing. Islanders aged 65 and over rose by 12%, while those under 16 fell by 7%. The average age on the island is now 44.5, up from 41.3 in 2023.

Jersey also experienced more deaths than births, with 880 residents passing away compared to 730 babies born last year. However, population numbers were maintained through migration, with 670 more people moving to the island than leaving.

More than half of Jersey’s population depends on the working-age group (16 to 64 years old). Statistics Jersey notes that “without migration, the working-age population would have declined every year since 2012 due to ageing and deaths.”

The proportion of older dependants has increased steadily, rising from 23.1% in 2014 to 30.1% in 2024, meaning three in ten islanders are now older dependants.

The report also highlights the role of immigration in maintaining the workforce. Most residents without Entitled status are of working age, and migration levels have returned to pre-COVID patterns, similar to those seen in 2023.

Despite overall net inward migration, the number of Registered license holders dropped by 3% over the past five years, even though 960 people moved to Jersey under that status in 2024.

Registered residents are more likely to both arrive and leave the island, contrasting with Entitled islanders, whose numbers increased by 2% to 70,430 since 2019, despite 810 leaving the island last year.