London Population | Growth, Density & Home Ownership Statistics

London's population data reveals dramatic shifts across the capital's 33 boroughs, with overall numbers reaching nearly 8.8 million residents based on the latest Government Census, a 7.11% growth since 2011.

This expansion varies significantly by area, creating distinct investment landscapes across different postcodes for those property buyers who like to focus on a growing local population as a key indication for potential capital growth.

The latest census data highlights strong contrasts between rapidly growing outer boroughs and interestingly a population decline in central areas, with housing ownership and the rental market directly reflecting these population changes.

Below we provide a range of datasets including population by London boroughs and postcodes. As well as housing tenure, rental and ownership statistics across London.

Article updated: April 2025.

London Population & Housing Statistics 2025

  • London's population reached 8,799,800 residents in 2021, showing a 7.11% growth since 2011.
  • Tower Hamlets (22.1%) and Barking and Dagenham (17.7%) experienced the highest population growth in London.
  • Only 46.7% of London households own their homes compared to 62.3% nationally, with ownership rates ranging from 70.5% in Havering to just 25.7% in Tower Hamlets.
  • Central London has seen population declines, with Westminster (-6.9%), Kensington & Chelsea (-9.6%), and Camden (-4.6%) all losing residents since 2011.
  • The highest population density areas include SE17 (Elephant and Castle) (48,587 people per square mile), SW5 (Earls Court) (45,088), and W9 (Maida Vale) (44,192).
  • Private renting now accounts for 30.1% of London's housing market compared to 20.6% nationally, with City of London (48.4%) and Westminster (43.6%) having the highest private rental rates.

Contents

Robert Jones, Founder of Property Investments UK

  • by Robert Jones, Founder of Property Investments UK

    With two decades in UK property, Rob has been investing in buy-to-let since 2005, and uses property data to develop tools for property market analysis.

Property Data Sources

Our location guide relies on authoritative datasets including:

Demographic data may not be updated until the next national Government Census, however we check our population statistics with latest Government publications annually to ensure accuracy and check for any changes. Last update: April 2025. Next update: April 2026. All data is presented as provided by our sources without adjustments or amendments.

London Population Statistics Finder

Select your region and postcode district to access factual statistics about population and housing in London. Perfect for researchers, journalists, academics, property investors and local planners.

Your population and housing statistics will appear here after selecting a local authority and postcode district.

London Population by Postcode

Use this interactive tool to explore and compare London population statistics by postcodes. Compare population density, household counts, and total population across different London regions. Data from the 2021 Census.

Showing data for: All London Regions | Sorted by: Population (High to Low)

Postcode Area Population (2021) Population Density

Data source: Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021 Housing Tenure data.

Tool © 2025 www.propertyinvestmentsuk.co.uk. Love our London population by postcode tool? Please share this page with attribution.

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London Population by Borough

Compare population changes across London boroughs between the 2011 and 2021 Census periods. Filter by region and organise data to identify population trends.

Showing: All London Regions | Sorted by: 2021 Population (High to Low)

Borough 2021 Population 2011 Population Growth %

Data source: Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021 Housing Tenure data.

Tool © 2025 www.propertyinvestmentsuk.co.uk. Love our London population by borough tool? Please share this page with attribution.

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London Housing Tenure

Use this interactive tool to explore official Census 2021 data showing housing tenure patterns across London by region and each London Borough.

London (All Regions)

Housing Tenure Overview

Total Households: 3,423,889
Owned Households: 1,601,042 (46.7%)
Rented Households: 1,822,847 (53.2%)

Ownership Breakdown

Owns Outright: 710,052 (20.7%)
Owns with Mortgage: 890,990 (26.0%)

Rental Breakdown

Social Rented: 790,958 (23.1%)
Private Rented: 1,031,889 (30.1%)

Showing data for: All of London | Sorted by: Tenure (All) (High to Low)

Data source: Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021 Housing Tenure data.

Tool © 2025 www.propertyinvestmentsuk.co.uk. Love our London housing tenure tool? Please share this page with attribution.

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