Complex disabilities in Northern Ireland

Figures for complex disabilities in Northern Ireland

map of the uk with northern ireland highlighted

There are 52,000 people with complex disabilities in Northern Ireland.

Of the 1.6 million people estimated to be living in the UK with complex disabilities, approximately 52,000 are in Northern Ireland.

Analysis suggests that the characteristics of these people are as follows.


Age groupNumber of people
0-17 years10,969
18-64 years24,880
Over 65 years17,366
SexNumber of people
Male28,727
Female24,488
Ethnic minority groupNumber of people
Asian381
Black120
Mixed/Other281

Where do these numbers come from?

These figures come from analysis we completed with the National Centre for Social Research. We used data from the Department for Work and Pensions Family Resources Survey, in combination with historic and future estimates of the make-up of the UK population.

Our methodology explains how we have measured complex disabilities.

Get in touch

Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions, or would like localised data for your area.