Tetbury's population has changed with national trends. The typical resident is older than it used to be, while numbers at the local schools are declining quite quickly. In 2007 the secondary school lost its Sixth Form, meaning 16-18 year olds have to travel to Cirencester or Stroud. The number of classes in each year has been reduced and the number of rooms being used has fallen too.
 
Tetbury's changing population owes much to personal preference, but also to the housing market. The typical house price in the Cotswolds - and in Tetbury especially - is now considerably higher than the British average, and many young families find they cannot afford to buy a home in the town. Local councils are trying to reverse the loss of young families, but are making slow progress. Many new developments are aimed at commuters, and there are a number of 'second homes' for people who work in London or further afield.
 
Often confused as being a village (the distinction is the presence of a market), Tetbury has had its town status boosted by its first supermarkets: Somerfield and later, Tesco. The use of the car has also led to Tetbury's need for new housing, as people commute to local towns and cities.
 
Perhaps the town centre was in danger of following many by becoming less vibrant, as shoppers flocked to larger centres. But while some of the more traditional shops are starting to move out, there hasn't been the 'ghetto-isation' seen in many other rural towns. The town still retains a bakery and butchers, although not a greengrocer. Competition in the town centre is less with itself and more with the supermarkets. Yet the town hasn't lost any of its character, and remains a popular attraction simply because in many ways it hasn't changed. As Tetbury strides into the 21st Century, it seems clear the future of the town is not as bleak as some of the doom-mongers predicted in the 20th.