The release of the 2011 Census results this month saw London’s population growing by 12% over the previous decade. A diverse city made up of 8.2 million residents, the capital’s population is expected to overtake its previous pre-World War II high in 2019. The population is made up of many different communities covering all faiths, ethnicities and nationalities. The city also has some of the most affluent neighbourhoods in the UK alongside some of the most deprived.
COMMUNITIES
Population of London
Dec-12
The total population of London on Census day, 27 March 2011 was 8.174 million. This estimate is currently considered to be the most accurate population figure for London. A census form was posted to every UK household, and follow up surveys determined how many people didn't respond. The response rate of London residents was around 90.4% (GLA estimate using borough response rates), compared with 93.9% in England and Wales.
Key Point: The population of London increased by 1,001,800 (14%) between the 2001 and 2011 Censuses, equivalent to over 100,000 per year. The chart shows all population figures since the 2001 Census, including between 2001 and 2010, the GLA estimates (SHLAA). Numbers post 2011 Census are GLA projections. The population is projected to increase by 930,000 by 2021 (an increase of 11% from the 2011 Census).
Projected Population by Ethnicity
May-13
The Demography team within the GLA maintains a number of sets of demographic projections. These sets cover different geographies, development assumptions, and output groupings. Most sets are updated annually, incorporating the latest data as it becomes available.
Key Point: 42% of Londoners (over 3.5 million) are from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups. Data from the GLA 2012 Round Ethnic Group Projections show that in the future BAME groups will continue to increase at a rapid rate, eventually overtaking the number of white persons by 2040.
Average Band D Council Tax
May-13
Council tax can be measured in ‘Band D’ or in ‘per dwelling’ terms. Band D has historically been used as the standard for comparing council tax levels between and across local authorities, as this measure is not affected by the varying distribution of properties in bands that can be found across authorities.
Key point: Having increased by 66% between 2000/01 and 2008/09, the average band D council tax charge has only increased by less than 1% between 2008/09 and 2013/14.
Londoners by Country of Birth
Feb-13
This data is taken from the 2011 Census. This data shows resident population broken down into country of birth, showing data for London's ten largest communities.
Key point: 37% of Londoners were born abroad. The top three countries are India, Poland, and Ireland. 18 countries (excluding UK) had a community of at least 50,000 living in London in 2011.
Other communities data
ONS Census pages
Communities and Local Government
London Councils
Datastore links:
Focus on London - Population and Migration
GLA Demographic Projections
Office for National Statistics (ONS) Population Estimates, Borough
Borough Profiles
Ward Profiles
Population by religion
Population by nationality
Elections results
Indices of Multiple Deprivation
London Fuel Poverty Risk Indicators, Wards
HBAI - Poverty in London 2010/11
Internet Use by Borough, and Population Sub-Groups
Daytime Population, Borough
Languages Spoken by Pupils, Borough & MSOA
National Insurance Number Registrations of Overseas Nationals, Borough
JOBS & ECONOMY - POLICING & CRIME - HOUSING - TRANSPORT - FIRE & RESCUE - HEALTH - ENVIRONMENT - COMMUNITIES - TOURISM
