The age of diversity: The neighbourhood demographic structure of ethnic groups in England and Wales, 2001–2021

Abstract The ethnic diversification of England and Wales between 2001 and 2011 at national and neighbourhood levels continued through the subsequent decade. This paper shows how demographic change associated with age is a factor in this process. Using Census data from 2001, 2011 and 2021, we investigate the extent to which a neighbourhood's ethnic diversity varies across age groups, and how this variation changes as groups age in place. We find that ethnic diversity has increased across the age distribution over time nationally and in neighbourhoods as the populations of many ethnic groups—not just those who are White British—age. These changes render the typical neighbourhood diversity experienced by those 65 and older in 2021 greater than that experienced by any age group two decades prior. Through a focus on age, our analysis offers a new means to gauge the experience of ethnic diversity of neighbourhood residents. For example, ageing‐related increases in ethnic mix in White majority neighbourhoods are apparent across all ages, with the largest occurring in middle age. The ageing out of White groups from some other neighbourhood types (e.g., majority Pakistani) is also clear. Our findings can help inform debates about intergenerational mixing and contact between ethnic groups and how they matter for the social life of local communities.