Yeovil Population 2023
The population of Yeovil at the last census (2011) was 45,784. More recent estimates show a population of 48,564.
Yeovil is the fourth largest town in Somerset, after Bath, Weston-Super-Mare, Taunton, and just ahead of Bridgwater and Frome.
The results of the 2021 census will be available in 2022, when this page will be updated with the latest data on how many people live in Yeovil.
Yeovil Population Growth
Yeovil began as a village, and by the time the Domesday Book was published in 1086 had grown to the size of a small town of approximately 1,000 people.
When the first census was held in 1801, the number of people living in Yeovil was counted at 2,800. By 1891, the population of Yeovil had increased to 9,648 and by 1911, just before the First World War, the town’s population had grown to 13,759.
More recently, in 1971, the census showed that 25,504 people lived in Yeovil.
Growth has been steady since then, reaching 42,060 in 2001, then 45,784 in 2011.
Source: Yeovil Archaeological and Local History Society (YALHS)
Yeovil Demographics
White people comprise the largest ethnic group – 44,352 of 45,784 people, which equates to 96.9% of the population. Other major ethnic groups in Yeovil are Asian (801 people), Black (144 people).
32,786 (71.3%) people in 2011 reported that they hold a UK passport. A further 1,562 people (23.5%) held an EU passport.
In terms of religion, 28,887 Yeovil residents are Christian – 67.9% of the population. A further 211 are Muslim, 122 are Buddhist, 75 are Hindu, and 33 are Jewish. 13,031 people (30.6% of the population) reported that they had no religion.The age breakdown of the population of Yeovil is roughly similar to the England and Wales average. 19.3% are children (0-15 years), 63.9% are working age (16-64 years) and 16.8% are older people (65 years and above). This compares with England and Wales averages of 18.9%, 64.7% and 16.4%.
Where is Yeovil located
Yeovil is a town in South East Somerset, close to the border with Dorset. It is the administrative centre of South Somerset District Council.
Yeovil was founded in the 8th century. Its name is drawn from the Celtic word Gifl, which means a forked river.
Today it is a thriving town, home to a range of aerospace manufacturers, such as AgustaWestland, a manufacturer of helicopters. Royal Naval Airstation Yeovilton is close by, as is Yeovil Aerodrome.
Yeovil is also home to a giant-killing football team – Yeovil Town FC.
Sources and further reading
Unless otherwise noted, data in this article is drawn from census data (see the ONS website), the South Somerset District Council Settlement Profile for Yeovil, Somerset Intelligence, or City Population.