Our borough
Community
The local communities in Bracknell Forest are vibrant and diverse.
There are 124,608 people who live in Bracknell Forest. This has increased by 10% in the last 10 years.
Bracknell Forest’s population profile is similar to England’s although, the proportion of working-aged adults in Bracknell Forest is slightly higher than England with notably higher proportions of 35 to 54 year olds. People aged 65 and over make-up 15% of Bracknell Forest’s population, compared to 18% nationally.
Life expectancy is significantly higher than national rates at 82 years for men and 85 for women.
In 2021, nearly 78% of Bracknell Forest’s population were from a white British background. 14% of residents were from ethnic minority groups (excluding white minorities), compared to 19% in England. The diversity in the population continues to increase with the proportion of all ethnic minority residents increasing by 47% in the last decade, to 22% of residents.
In September 2022, 77% of Bracknell Forest’s working age population were in employment. The proportion of people in employment decreased during the pandemic and this drop was to a greater extent than the national average. The current level of employment is higher than the average for England and similar to the South East.
124,608 people in Bracknell Forest
47% increasein residents from minority ethnicities, compared to 2011
77% employedworking age population
82 years male life expectancy
85 years female life expectancy
Place
Our borough is renowned for its excellent location for businesses, combined with extensive green spaces.
In the lowest10%for deprivation
11%of residents live alone
Trees cover35%of the borough
2,302households are in fuel poverty
There are 52,060 residential properties in Bracknell Forest with a higher proportion of terraced (32%) and detached houses (24%). Property is generally more expensive than the England average, apart from flats and maisonettes. All property types in Bracknell Forest are less expensive than the South East average.
The 2021 census showed an increase in the number of people living alone, both nationally and locally. In Bracknell Forest nearly 11% of people live alone with 29% of those aged 66 and over living alone.
Bracknell Forest is within the 10% least deprived local authorities in England. More than a third of the borough’s neighbourhoods are in the 10% least deprived nationally. While none of Bracknell Forest’s neighbourhoods are in the 20% most deprived areas in England, there are areas of higher deprivation, particularly within parts of Bracknell town. In June 2023, 2,302 Bracknell Forest households were identified as in fuel poverty.
Air quality in Bracknell Forest indicate similar levels of fine particulate matter, compared to England. The rate of Co2 emissions per person is less than the average for the South East and England. The borough is classed as urban however trees cover 35% of the borough, the second highest in England.
Bracknell Forest has lower rates of crime compared to similar authorities and the wider national average. There has been a small increase in crime since September 2020, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Children and young people
Young people have wide ranging opportunities, facilities and activities to engage with. Our local schools are exceptional.
Approximately 27,846 children and young people (aged under 18) live in Bracknell Forest, making up 22% of the total population. Currently, women of child-bearing age have an average of 1.7 children in Bracknell Forest compared to 1.6 in England. There has been an increased rate of births following the pandemic.
Bracknell Forest’s childhood obesity rates have not significantly changed over the last 5 years. 18.6% of year 6 children are considered obese, this is lower than the England average of 23.4%. In 2020 to 2021, 10.7% of Bracknell Forest’s under 16s lived in relative low income families. 13.1% of pupils have special educational needs (SEN), similar to the national and South East average. There is a significantly higher proportion of pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) than the national average and across similar authorities.
Bracknell Forest pupil’s school readiness and attainment levels at the end of reception are similar to other authorities, while indicators of attainment at the end of key stage one are above average. Attainment 8 scores (Key Stage 4) in Bracknell Forest’s state-funded schools are similar to England’s, but worse against equivalent authorities. Attainment 8 scores for disadvantaged pupils are lower than the average for the same cohort across England.
22%of the population are children
13.1%of pupils have special education needs (including EHCPs)
18.6%of children are obese
Adults
Most adults live a healthy and fulfilling life, in independence and choice.
65%of adults are overweight or obese
13%of residents have a common mental health disorder
70%of adults are physical active
65% of adults in Bracknell Forest were overweight or obese in 2021 to 2022. This is slightly higher than the average for the South East (63%) and similar to the average for England.
70% of adults in Bracknell Forest were classified as physically active (150+ minutes activity per week) in 2021 to 2022, similar to the South East average.
13% of Bracknell Forest’s population aged 16 and over are estimated to have a common mental health issue such as depression or anxiety, compared to national (17%) and regional (15%) prevalence rates. Less than 1% of people in Bracknell Forest were recorded as having a serious mental health diagnosis on their GP record.
More details and the latest data about our borough can be found on the Berkshire Observatory or the Berkshire East Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.