Greater London Population 2025

As of 10 September 2025, the current estimated population of Greater London is around 9.8 million and might reach 10.25 million by 2046, according to the Greater London Authority (GLA).

Key Facts About Greater London

• Did you know that London is surprisingly green? A whopping 22% of the city is made up of parks, gardens, and other green spaces.
• London has not one, but four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London, Greenwich, the Palace of Westminster, and the beautiful Kew Gardens.
• Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the iconic underground train system, the “Tube”. These aren’t just landmarks; they’re cultural superstars of London.
• The average salary in London is higher than the rest of the UK. In April 2024, the average Londoner was earning £853 per week!
• London’s economy is a powerhouse. It’s built on four main things: finance, professional services, technology, and the tourism sector.
• London is a melting pot of cultures. It’s home to tons of people from all over the world, and you can hear over 300 different languages.

Population Growth of Greater London (2011-2025)

In 2021, London’s population was around 8.8 million, an increase of 7.1% from the 8.2 million recorded in 2011.

While that may seem like a large jump, the city’s population growth has slowed down, primarily due to a lower birth rate. Greater London Authority (GLA) project this trend to continue, estimating London’s population will reach 9.5 million by 2026 and then grow to 9.6 million by 2035.

Greater London Population Density Map (2025)

The population density of Greater London is 5,640/km2 (14,600/sq mi).

Physical factors play a big role in the population density of a city. The River Thames made London greater and an ideal settlement area for people. It provided Greater London with water, trade routes and transport, which led to the city’s early expansion. The flat lands surrounding Greater London made building homes and businesses easier and cheaper. Plus, the city has a mild climate and is less prone to natural disasters, making it a safe and attractive place to reside.

Many human factors have helped make Greater London the first choice of people. Greater London is a global hub for finance, business and tourism, so jobs are always a big attraction. This economic strength creates demand for housing, which increases population density. London’s transport system—the underground, buses, trains and even the airport—keeps the city well connected, encouraging people to live not only in the centre but also in the outer boroughs. There is a lot of migration. International arrivals and people coming from all over the UK, especially young workers looking for opportunities, have increased the number of people.

Urban planning is a plus point of Greater London, which has shaped the places where people live. This has led to the expansion of population in outer London and has added to its vibrant, dense population. All these factors together make Greater London one of the most densely populated cities.

Greater London Population By Race (2025)

Estimated Greater London Race Population (2025) as 2021 Census:  53.8% White, 20.7% Asian, 13.5% Black, 5.7% Mixed/Multiple ethnic, and 6.3% Other.

According to the QMUL Report, Greater London is the most ethnically diverse region in the whole of the UK, with 46.2% of residents identifying with Asian, black, mixed, or ‘other’ ethnic groups, and a further 17.0% with white ethnic minorities.

Living in a city like Greater London means being surrounded by a Diversity Of Cultures, and that’s what makes it so special. The amazing variety of food, art and music that Londoners enjoy every day is a result of the ethnic diversity. This mix of populations not only makes life interesting but also strengthens the city’s economy. Different backgrounds bring different skills and new ideas, leading to more innovation and new businesses.

Of course, not everything is easy. A growing and diverse population puts pressure on services like housing and healthcare. And some groups, particularly Ethnic Minorities, face real challenges. Reports show that many people from these communities struggle with things like cramped housing and are more exposed to air pollution. It’s clear that while diversity is a great strength, it also comes with a responsibility to address these inequalities. Greater London’s ethnic diversity is in progress stage, but it’s what makes the city a true global hub.

Greater London Population Age and Gender (2025)

In 2025, the largest age group in Greater London is projected to be 18-64 year-olds.

Greater London is a pretty young city, especially compared to the rest of England. The average Londoner is about 35 years old, which is younger than folks in other English regions.

So, who’s the biggest group? As of the 2021 census report of ONS, the largest age group across the city is people between 30 and 34. In central London, it’s even younger, with 25- to 29-year-olds dominating.

When it comes to gender, London is slightly more female, with about 51% women and 49% men. However, this split can change a bit depending on which neighbourhood you’re in.

It’s also interesting to see the differences between Inner and Outer Greater London. Inner London is packed with young adults and has fewer children and fewer people over 65. The outer boroughs tend to have more families and a larger number of older residents. Overall, the number of young kids in London has been going down, but the population of older residents (especially those 50-64) has been growing. It shows how Greater London is always changing!

Greater London Population By Religion (2025)

The latest 2021 Census results are in, and they indicate a major religious shift is likely in 2025. For the first time, Christians are no longer the majority in London, making up just 40.7% of the population.

This is no coincidence; this is a big trend! The number of people saying “no religion” is rising rapidly, reaching 27.1%. And non-Christian religions are on the rise, too. Islam is now London’s second-largest religion, with 15% of residents describing themselves as Muslim. Hinduism is also a significant group at 5.1%.

(Source: Office for National Statistics)

A decade of change: trends from 2011 to 2021

The 2021 census data has confirmed some big changes. In a single decade, the city’s religious landscape changed dramatically.

Between 2011 and 2021, the number of Londoners who identified as Christian fell from 48.4% to just 40.7%. That’s a huge change! At the same time, the group of “secular” people also grew significantly, now making up 27.1% of the city.

Other religions also saw big growth. The Muslim population grew from 12.4% to 15%. An important factor is age. The Christian population is noticeably older, with an average age of 51, while Muslims and seculars are noticeably younger. This means these trends will continue in the years to come. It’s exciting to watch London evolve in real time.

(Source: Office for National Statistics)

What does this mean for us in 2025? London is a very different world to the rest of the UK. While the rest of the country is becoming more secular, the constant movement of people from all over the world into London keeps its religious landscape vibrant and diverse. The Christian population is older, while Muslims, Hindus and those with no religion are much younger. This means that these new trends will grow even faster. It’s an interesting view of how a city’s identity can change in real time.

Greater London Population By Ethnicity (2025)

The biggest thing that the 2021 census data has revealed is that for the first time, the White British population is a minority in London, making up 36.8% of the city’s residents. This is a huge change from 2011, when they made up 44.9% of the total population. The White British group makes up 74.4% of the total population of England, so, London is definitely different from the rest of the country.

Data on the 2021 Census was obtained from the Office for National Statistics and Wikipedia

According to the 2021 census data:

– The total population of Greater London in 2021 was just over 8.8 million.

– The White population as a whole (including all sub-groups) was 53.8%.

– Asian, Black, Mixed and ‘Other’ ethnic groups together contributed a significant 46.2%.

– The largest group among these is Asian, at 20.8%, followed by the Black group at 13.5%.

The city’s non-white population is significantly younger on average, leading experts to predict they will be a bigger part of London’s future workforce and population growth. Students from Asian and black backgrounds will make up 48% of Londoners entering higher education in 2025.

It’s not just about different statistics, it’s about a changing city. Greater London’s unique and diverse nature will have an impact on public services, city planning and even businesses. The city is evolving, and 2025 is a very exciting time!

Greater London Economy (2025)

London is a huge, bustling city, one of Europe’s largest. As of 2022, its population was 8.9 million. That’s a lot of people in one place, making Greater London quite crowded with over 5,600 people per square kilometer. The population is expected to keep climbing, possibly reaching 9.8 million by 2025.

Nearly 4 out of every 10 people in London were born outside the UK, which is a big reason the city is so unique.

London’s Economic Powerhouse

London isn’t just a big city; it’s a major economic engine for the entire UK. It’s an economy built on “agglomeration,” which is a fancy way of saying that when lots of businesses and skilled people are close to each other, they work better and create more value.

• In 1997, London made up 18.5% of the UK’s total economic output (GVA).
• By 2020, that number had grown to 28%, with a value of £470 billion.

London’s productivity is high—each job creates about £78,700 in value, which is more than in other parts of England. Experts believe London’s economy will grow by 1.6% in 2025.

Older Workers: A Big Contribution, a Hard Reality

London’s older population (people aged 50 and up) is growing fast. This group does a lot for the city’s economy. They contribute an estimated £47 billion a year through paid work. Their unpaid work, like volunteering or caring for family, adds another £5.3 billion a year.

Despite these contributions, many older Londoners are struggling. A 2024 report found that 22% of Londoners over 50 live in poverty. This number is even higher for those over 80, at 25%. Many are forced to keep working past retirement age just to get by.

The Uneven Playing Field

London’s diversity is a strength, but it also highlights inequality. Poverty rates are very different across ethnic groups:

• 62% of Bangladeshi Londoners live in poverty.
• 36% of Black Londoners live in poverty.
• This is much higher than the 18% of white Londoners living in poverty.

Businesses run by people from minority ethnic groups are a big part of London’s economy, adding anywhere from £25 billion to £74 billion. However, these businesses often struggle to get the funding they need.

The Career Gap for Women and Minorities

London’s big financial and professional services sectors have a problem with who gets ahead. A study showed that employees from working-class backgrounds take 25% longer to get promoted. This gap is even bigger for Black employees from working-class backgrounds.

There is also a clear gender pay gap. In 2024, men working full-time in London earned about £909 a week, while women earned £805 a week.

London’s Big Business: Finance and Tech

London is a global center for finance and technology. A study of over 9,000 finance employees found that nearly 9 out of 10 senior leaders came from richer backgrounds. In the wider UK population, only about one-third of people are from these backgrounds. The study also found that very few women from minority groups and working-class backgrounds hold senior jobs—they make up just 1% of these top positions.

The tech world is a bit different. About 25% of tech workers in the UK are from ethnic minority groups, which is more than their share of the wider workforce (12%). However, this diversity doesn’t reach the top. Only 14% of senior tech leaders are from these same groups.

A City of Two Realities

While London is a rich city, the money isn’t spread out equally. The data shows that the unemployment rate in one area, Newham, was 7.9%. But in another area, Bexley, it was only 3.0%.

The wealth created in different areas also varies greatly. The economy in Westminster was valued at £53.6 billion, while in Barking and Dagenham, it was just £3.3 billion. These numbers show that London has many different economic realities.