Gypsies, Roma and Travellers: Statistics

The term ‘Gypsies and Travellers’ is used to refer to a range of ethnic and cultural groups in the UK. The term ‘Roma’ is generally used by people of Roma origin who have migrated to the UK more recently.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller ethnic groups in UK censuses

The census is a source of data on people identifying with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller ethnic groups.

Censuses are administered separately in the UK by statistical bodies in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The most recent censuses in each country asked respondents about their ethnic group. Tick-box options were provided for identifying as Gypsy or Traveller and, separately, Roma.

Census data is likely to undercount these groups. The Traveller Movement, a charity representing Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people, describes a “trust gap” between some people in these groups and the state which contributes to under-engagement with the census.

Census data for 2021 and 2022

Around 71,400 people identified as Gypsy or Irish Traveller on the 2021 census in England and Wales, or 0.1% of the population. Around 103,100 people identified as Roma, or 0.2% of the population.

Around 2,600 people in Northern Ireland identified as Irish Traveller on the 2021 census (0.1% of the population) and around 1,500 identified as Roma (0.1% of the population).

Scotland’s census was carried out in 2022. Around 3,300 people identified as Gypsy or Traveller (0.1% of the population) and around 3,200 identified as Roma (0.1%).

Adding these figures together gives an approximate total of 77,300 people identifying with Gypsy and Traveller ethnic groups across the UK in 2021 and 2022, as well as 107,800 identifying as Roma.

Population characteristics

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published analysis of census data for the Gypsy and Irish Traveller population and the Roma population in England and Wales, looking at characteristics including age, language, housing, education, health and the labour market.

People identifying as Gypsy or Irish Traveller had a younger age profile than average for England and Wales. Around one-fifth lived in accommodation such as caravans or mobile homes, as opposed to traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ housing.

People in this group were less likely to hold educational qualifications and more likely to be unemployed or economically inactive than average. Self-reported health was poorer than the England and Wales average.

People identifying as Roma also had a young age profile. 78% were born in Europe, and 72% gave a language other than English as their main language. The majority of people in this group lived in private rented accommodation. Working-age adults were more likely to be self-employed or unemployed than the England and Wales average, and less likely to hold educational qualifications.

Constituency statistics

Census data is available for parliamentary constituencies. The attached data download file has data on the number and rate per 100,000 people of people identifying with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller ethnic groups.

Further information

This briefing is part of the Commons Library Series on Gypsies and Travellers which brings together briefings on policy areas that relate to their experiences, including inequalities and discrimination, accommodation, planning laws, the legality of encampments, education, and statistics on the characteristics of different groups of Gypsies and Travellers.