Population: In common with Great Britain as a whole, the population structure of the NFDC area is changing slightly with 49.4% of the population aged over 44 years (2001 Census), compared with 44.6% in 1991. Overall, the population of the NFDC area increased from 167,064 in 1995, to 169,331 at the 2001 census. The 2007 Population Forecast for the New Forest is 172,070; this figure is based on the Hampshire County Council Small Area Population Forecast (2006). The average (mean) age of the population in the New Forest is 43.2 compared to an average for England and Wales of 38.6.
Economic Activity: Rates of Economic Activity (for those of working age) in New Forest District stand at 80.3%. This compares to a figures of 83.0% for Hampshire; 82.3% for the South East and 78.2% for England and Wales. Of the 19.7% of New Forest residents who are economically inactive, only around a quarter actually 'want a job'.
Unemployment: Levels in the New Forest had been consistently low for a considerable period of time until the spring of 2009 when, in line with the national and regional trend, they began to climb at at a steady rate. In the 5 years previous to this, unemployment had hovered at around 1%. The figures for the New Forest remain below those for the South East region and noticeably lower than figures for England and Wales. For detailed statistics relating to the New Forest, follow the link at the foot of this page.
Pay: Rates of pay in the New Forest are lower than those for Hampshire, the South East region and England and Wales. This trend is maintained in both full and part time workers as well as male and female workers. The rates of pay are also slightly higher for residents that they are for workers in the New Forest area. For a more details breakdown of figures, see the link at the foot of this page.
Travel to work: The principal commuter destination from the New Forest is Southampton City with over 11,000 journeys made by New Forest residents daily. The greatest movement of workers into the District is from Wiltshire with almost 5000 movements. 72% of the workforce is comprised of those who also live in the New Forest. For a detailed breakdown of figures of New Forest Commuting figures click on 'Principal Commuting Figures' link to the foot of this page.
Business Stock: The Business stock levels have continued to rise since the mid 1990s. Although VAT registrations have fluctuated during this time, the overall number of registered businesses rose by over 1000 during the 10 year period from 1997. For a detailed breakdown of these figures follow the link to the Business stock data via the related documents tab at the foot of this page.
Growth Sectors: By a significant margin, the greatest growth sector proportionally within the Forest is Finance. VAT registered companies rose by 100% in the period from 1997 in this sector. Primary (agriculture, fishing, energy & water) saw a slight decrease during the same time period. For a detailed breakdown of these figures for the New Forest follow the link to 'Change in New Forest Business Stock' at the foot of this page.
Summary: The Employment and Tourism Office at New Forest District Council has produced a facts and figures summary which allows you to see at a glance the key economic statistics for the area. to download a copy, click on the link the via the 'related documents' tab at the foot of this page.
Neighbourhood Statistics: Produced by the Office of National Statistics, Neighbourhood Statistics offer a wide range of information on the New Forest including datasets on population, economic activity and skills. To view this information click on the link. New Forest Neighbourhood Statistics
Census 2001: Data covers a wide range of topics and ranks the New Forest against all other Local Authorities in England and Wales. For further details follow the link. Census 2001 figures for The New Forest
