Surrey Population Boom: Where People Are Moving in 2025
Waverley Leads the Way: Which Surrey Communities Are Booming
The latest Office of National Statistics release paints a clear picture of Surrey's shifting demographics, and the story is particularly striking in Waverley. Towns like Godalming, Farnham, and Haslemere are experiencing unprecedented population growth, attracting nearly 2,424 people through net internal migration alone between mid-2024 and mid-2025. This figure represents almost half of all migration within the entire county—a remarkable concentration that signals why these communities are becoming increasingly sought-after destinations. Guildford, long the traditional heart of Surrey, has recorded solid growth at 5.6 per cent since 2021, placing it third behind Waverley and Runnymede. Meanwhile, East Surrey continues as the most populous region overall, maintaining its position from the 2021 Census when it first surpassed Guildford. The county's total population has now reached 1.25 million—a steady climb from one million in the 1970s. For local residents, this growth trajectory reflects strong demand for homes, jobs, and community services across the region, fundamentally reshaping how we think about Surrey's future development and infrastructure needs.
Woking's Challenge: Understanding the Migration Decline
While Waverley basks in unprecedented growth, Woking stands alone among Surrey's boroughs facing population headwinds. The borough recorded a net internal migration loss of 399 people, meaning more residents departed for elsewhere in the UK than arrived seeking new homes. This reversal comes against the backdrop of the council's financial difficulties, including its 2023 bankruptcy—a crisis that understandably raised concerns among residents about the borough's future direction and service provision. The contrast with neighbouring areas is stark: Surrey Heath saw 652 people arriving through net internal migration, while Runnymede grew by 5.9 per cent since 2021. For Woking residents, this data should serve as a wake-up call about the importance of local regeneration and community reinvestment. Understanding why people are choosing to leave—whether citing concerns about services, housing affordability, or economic opportunities—offers a roadmap for recovery. Local businesses, particularly those in the bathroom refurbishment and bathroom fitters sectors, may need to adapt their strategies as market dynamics shift. The borough's recovery will depend on strategic planning, transparent council management, and demonstrable improvements in resident services.
What This Means for Your Neighbourhood: Housing, Services, and Community Action
For Surrey residents, these population statistics translate into immediate, practical implications. Areas experiencing rapid growth like Waverley and Guildford will face increased pressure on local infrastructure—schools, health services, transport, and housing supply. Home improvement sectors, from bathroom fitters to full-scale bathroom refurbishment specialists, will likely see sustained demand as new residents settle in and existing homeowners upgrade properties. Conversely, Woking residents should engage closely with council initiatives aimed at attracting investment and residents back to the borough. Community groups, local businesses, and residents themselves have a stake in shaping their neighbourhoods' futures. If you're in a high-growth area like East Horsley or Dorking, advocate for adequate infrastructure investment alongside development. If you're in Woking or other slower-growth areas, support local campaigns promoting the borough's strengths and recovery. Monitor planning applications in your area—they'll indicate whether development aligns with community needs. Attend council meetings, engage with local organisations, and stay informed through neighbourhood networks. The coming years will see significant changes across Surrey's landscape, and your voice matters in determining whether growth benefits everyone or concentrates advantages unevenly.
Source: How Surrey's population grew in 2025 and the areas which saw a decline
