​Birmingham is a vibrant, diverse city with a young population and a rich cultural heritage. However, it also faces significant challenges, including high levels of poverty, unemployment and economic inactivity. Many residents experience barriers to education, employment and good health, which can limit opportunities and affect wellbeing across the city. Understanding these issues helps us design services that support local people to thrive.

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Demographics

• Population: 1.14 million, with 65% of residents of working age.

• Youth: 18% of working age residents are aged 18-24, making Birmingham one of the youngest cities in the region.

• Diversity:

  • 48.6% White (regional average: 77%)

  • 31% Asian/Asian British (regional average: 13.3%)

  • 11% Black/African/Caribbean/Black British (regional average: 4.5%)

  • Most deprived wards: Small Heath, Lozells, Alum Rock, Aston, Sparkhill, Handsworth

 

Labour Market Challenges

• Unemployment:

  • Highest claimant count rate in England: 10.4% of working age residents (regional average: 5.4%).

  • Highest rates in Lozells, Birchfield, Handsworth, Aston, Bordesley Green.

• Youth Unemployment:

  • 10.4% of 18-24 year olds are unemployed (regional average: 7.5%).

  • Highest youth unemployment in Alum Rock, Sparkbrook and Balsall Heath East, Aston, North Edgbaston, Stockland Green.

• Over-50s Unemployment:

  • 8.7% of people aged 50-64 are unemployed, the highest in the region.

 

Economic Inactivity

• 27.1% of working age residents are not in work and not seeking work (higher than the regional average of 22.6%).

• Many of these people have health conditions, especially mental health.​