UK Percentage Statistics
Written by the percentages.co.uk team. Reviewed for accuracy.
Last updated: May 2026
Housing and property
65%
Around 65% of UK households own their home either outright or with a mortgage (ONS, 2023).
19%
Approximately 19% of UK households rent privately.
60%+
House prices have risen by over 60% in the past decade in many UK regions.
28%
The average UK household spends around 28% of gross income on housing costs.
Taxation and finance
Understanding tax rates is easier when you can calculate the exact amounts. Use our VAT calculator to work out VAT on any figure instantly.
20%
The standard UK VAT rate is 20%, in place since January 2011.
20%
The basic rate of income tax in England is 20% on earnings between the personal allowance and £50,270.
40%
The higher rate of income tax is 40% on earnings above £50,270.
8%
National Insurance contributions are 8% for employees earning between the primary threshold and the upper earnings limit.
25%
Corporation Tax is 25% on profits above £250,000.
Education
67%
Around 67% of UK young people participate in higher education by the age of 30 (HESA, 2023).
26%
In 2023, approximately 26% of GCSE entries in England received a grade 7 or above.
96%
Around 96% of state secondary schools in England are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.
Health
9%
The NHS employs around 9% of the entire UK workforce, making it one of the world's largest employers.
28%
Approximately 28% of adults in England are classified as obese (NHS, 2022).
17%
Around 17% of UK adults smoke (ONS, 2022).
Economy and employment
Pay gaps and inflation figures are best understood with precise calculations. Our percentage change calculator makes it straightforward to measure shifts in earnings or prices.
3.5–5%
UK unemployment has ranged between 3.5% and 5% in recent years (ONS).
11%
Inflation in the UK peaked at over 11% in October 2022, the highest rate in 40 years.
8%
Women earn on average around 8% less per hour than men in the UK, according to ONS gender pay gap data.
99%
Small businesses account for approximately 99% of all UK businesses.
Environment
40%
Renewable energy sources generated approximately 40% of UK electricity in recent years.
78%
The UK has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.