Hull
- Country:
- United Kingdom
- Continent:
- Europe
Hull's 2025 population is now estimated at 289,602. In 2001, the population of Hull was 271,770. Hull has grown by 1,897 in the last year, which represents a 0.13% annual change.
Hull's 2025 population is now estimated at 289,602. In 2001, the population of Hull was 271,770. Hull has grown by 1,897 in the last year, which represents a 0.13% annual change.
Hull is located in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The formal name of the city is Kingston upon Hull. The exact year the town was founded is not known, but it was first mentioned in 1193. Hull obtained city status in 1897. The population of the city was estimated to be 260,200 in 2016. The urban population of Hull is 573,300. The last formal census was taken in 2011, and the population at that time was recorded as 256,406.
Hull covers a total surface area of approximately 27.59 square miles (71.45 square kilometers). In combination with the overall population, this brings the population density to about 9,030 residents per square mile (3,486 residents per square kilometer).
As of the 2011 Census, the population of Hull was mostly White British, comprising 89.7% of the population. 4.1% of the population identified as Other White, followed by 2.3% Chinese and Other Races, 1.3% Mixed Race, 1.2% Black, and 1.1% South Asian, and 0.3% White Irish. The census also found that just 3% of the residents in Hull were born outside of the United Kingdom.
The majority of the resident of Hull identify as Christian, with 71.7% identifying as such at the time of the last census. 18% of residents do not affiliate with any religion. During the time of the poll, church attendance in the city was the lowest in all of the United Kingdom.
The city also has a high rate of unemployment, as reported during the 2011 Census. Almost half of the residents living in the city rent their homes, exceeding the national average of renters.
Hull was first founded in the 12th century. The city lies along the River Hull, which was ideal for shipping, particularly the exporting of wool. In 1299, the city was granted a royal charter and was named as King’s town upon Hull after King Edward I acquired it.
In 1440, a local government was established. The government was comprised of a sheriff, mayor, and alderman. The city was used as a base during the First War of Scottish Independence and later went on to become known for exporting wool and cloth. Hull became a hub for coastal trading for all of the UK. The town continued to prosper throughout the 17th century.
During World War II, almost all of the homes were damaged and behind London, was the most-bombed UK city. The city rebuilt and continues to be the home to one of the busiest ports in the UK. In addition to its port, the city also has thriving industries including chemical and health care.
Its role as a transport hub, its major shopping centers and streets, its business developments, and its arts and cultures scene make Hull a popular place to live. Population grew steadily since the 1800s, with a population of just over 21,000 in 1801 and rising to 130,426 seventy years later. The population peaked in 1931, exceeding 300,000 before beginning to fall. The population as of the 2001 Census reached its lowest point since the early 1900s, with just 243,595 residents. However, as of the time of the 2011 Census, the population began to rise again for the first time since 1931.
| City | 2025 Pop. ↓ | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| London | 9,840,740 | 0.95% |
| Manchester | 2,832,580 | 0.74% |
| Birmingham | 2,704,620 | 0.74% |
| West Yorkshire | 1,956,470 | 0.72% |
| Glasgow | 1,718,940 | 0.63% |
| Southampton | 966,741 | 0.79% |
| Liverpool | 928,997 | 0.66% |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | 834,242 | 0.67% |
| Nottingham | 819,334 | 0.77% |
| Sheffield | 756,783 | 0.73% |
| Bristol | 720,052 | 0.86% |
| Belfast | 651,982 | 0.7% |
| Brighton | 632,475 | 0.79% |
| Leicester | 575,352 | 0.79% |
| Edinburgh | 563,534 | 0.87% |
| Bournemouth | 526,845 | 0.79% |
| Cardiff | 495,378 | 0.74% |
| Coventry | 454,584 | 1.06% |
| Middlesbrough | 397,527 | 0.62% |
| Stoke-on-Trent | 396,812 | 0.64% |
| Reading | 355,596 | 0.76% |
| Sunderland | 349,162 | 0.58% |
| Preston | 338,446 | 0.68% |
| Birkenhead | 335,971 | 0.57% |
| Kingston upon Hull | 328,518 | 0.6% |
| Newport | 324,815 | 0.63% |
| Southend-On-Sea | 323,035 | 0.71% |
| Swansea | 320,236 | 0.64% |