And, of that figure published by the National Crime Agency (NCA), as many as 250,000 men may be sexually attracted to children under 12.
Deputy director general of the NCA Phil Gormley has warned that there are so many paedophiles "the reality is we are all living not far away from one."
And Donald Findlater, from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, which offers help to paedophiles, isn't surprised by the research.
He adds: "I think the figures are probably accurate, but the majority of these men would never act on their urges."
APRIL JONES FAMILY SAY 'PAEDOPHILES DESERVE HELP' TO PREVENT OFFENDING
The NCA has released the horrifying figures – based on academic research and other sources - to prompt the Government to find a way of encouraging paedophiles to get help before they do any harm.
One woman who hopes the Government takes action is mum-of-one Karen Haines.
Disturbingly, Karen, 56, from Guernsey, found over 1m child porn pictures on her husband, Kevin du Feu’s, computer, as well as 720 child sex videos.
Sick du Feu, 56, offered to grant Karen a divorce and sign over their home if she kept quiet.
But Karen reported her husband of 16 years and he was found guilty of 16 charges of making, possessing and distributing indecent material by Guernsey’s Royal Court.
He was sentenced to five years in prison plus two years on probation upon his release.
Now Karen wants to urge other women to be vigilant.
She says: “Knowing I was married to a paedophile for 16 years makes me feel physically sick.
“I honestly had no idea. He did spend a lot of time on his computer but at worst I thought he might be having an affair. When I found the images I vomited.
I was terrified he’d touched our son, but thankfully my son assured me he hadn’t.
"It can happen to anyone. We need tougher prison sentences for offenders and women need to be made aware of the warnings signs.
"I wish I’d realised sooner so I could have stopped him. I’ll never speak to him again.”
If you are affected by this issue, please visit the Lucy Faithfull Foundation for help and information.
To read more of Karen's shocking story, get your copy of Closer magazine - out now.