Alderney's steady population decline continues

The population of the third largest of the Channel Islands has dropped by nearly 300 in 13 years

Alderney's population continues to fall steadily, according to the first data from the island's electronic census.

The population was 2,013 at the end of March 2014, based on information collated from 10 States of Guernsey databases including social security.

The data shows the population has fallen steadily from 2,217 in 2007.

An Alderney States spokesman said future census reports would include economic and employment data, which would be used to inform decisions.

Electronic census statistics - March 2014

• Alderney's population was 2,013

• 1,168 or 58% of the population were of working age (16-64)

• The dependency ratio rose to 0.72, which means that for every 100 people of working age there were 72 people of dependent age (over 64 or under 16)

• 42.9% of the population had lived in the island for 20 years or more

• 55.3% of the population lived property they own, compared to 31.2% in rented units

• 15% of the island's domestic properties were owned by people whose primary dwelling was not in Alderney

Victor Brownlees, Alderney chief executive, said: "It's an extremely valuable resource, which gives a clear and up-to-date picture of trends almost in real time, which is something we could never get from a traditional census."

A traditional census, held in 2013 following concerns about a lack of information in the island, put the island's population at 1,903 while the electronic census found it was 2,030.

The last Bailiwick-wide census in 2001 recorded the population at 2,294.

"Some differences are to be expected, but the figures are reassuringly similar," the spokesman said of the differences between the traditional and electronic census figures.

The electronic version picks up all those employed in Alderney or who are resident for longer than 26 weeks.