According to the mid-2008 population estimates published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Bradford's resident population stands at 501,700, making Bradford the 4th largest metropolitan district in England, and 5th largest in the UK.

Working age population (males aged 16-64, females ages 16-59) is 308,500.

Bradford has a younger age profile than the Yorkshire & Humber regional average and the national average, with the younger age groups forming a greater proportion of the population in comparison.