20,745
Civil parish residents (2021)
ONS aggregated census data
Stamford at a glance
Stamford Demographics
Key population, household and census figures for Stamford, the historic stone town in South Kesteven, Lincolnshire.
Population overview
20,995
Built-up area residents (2021)
Includes surrounding developments
9,630
Households (Civil Parish)
Approximate number of dwellings
5.2%
Population growth 2011–2021
From 19,701 to around 20,745
Census trend
The population of Stamford has grown steadily over the last decade. The 2011 census recorded 19,701 residents in the town, while the 2021 census shows that figure rising to approximately 20,745 within the civil parish boundaries and around 20,995 within the wider built-up area.
This modest but consistent growth reflects Stamford's continued popularity as a desirable market town, combining historic character with good transport links to Peterborough, Leicester and London.
Households and housing
Stamford is home to roughly 9,600 to 9,700 households. The town's housing stock is notable for its high proportion of historic stone-built properties, many of which date from the Georgian and Victorian periods and are protected within England's first conservation area.
Newer developments on the edges of the town supplement the compact, walkable town centre, providing a mix of family homes, apartments and retirement living.
Local area context
District
Stamford sits within the South Kesteven district of Lincolnshire, one of the most prosperous parts of the East Midlands.
Historic character
Over 600 listed buildings are packed into the town centre, giving Stamford one of the best-preserved historic streetscapes in England.
Connectivity
The town lies close to the A1 and is linked by rail to Peterborough, Leicester and Birmingham, drawing commuters and visitors alike.
Notes on the data
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) does not publish census data directly for civil parishes or built-up areas. Figures shown here are therefore aggregated from the smallest official census areas that fall within Stamford and should be treated as approximate rather than exact. For the most detailed and up-to-date statistics, visit the ONS Nomis website.