Population of London 2025

What is the Population of London?

The population of London in 2021 was around 8,799,800.

As of September 2025, according to Wikipedia, the population of London is estimated to be approximately 9,841,000 people. London’s population in 1900 was approximately 6 million people. In 2024, Greater London Authority (GLA) projected that London saw an increase of 7,80,000 people, representing an 8.6% annual change.

Key Facts about the Population of London

• London’s population reached its lowest level in 50 years in 1988.
• Between 2012 and 2023, London’s population increased by 850,000, as the birth rate exceeded the death rate.
• More than 40% of London’s residents were born outside the UK, and over 300 languages are spoken in the metropolis.
• Internal migration trend is the biggest driver of London’s population growth. (Migration: 49,000 in 2014 to -17,000 in 2020)
• In 2021 Census, London’s population identified as transgender 0.44%.
• London’s population density is about 15 times greater than the rest of England.
• East London has the largest Muslim and Hindu populations.

Population Growth History of London

London’s Population Boom

The modern history of London’s population growth began in the 19th century, when the city experienced tremendous growth during the Industrial Revolution. In 1801, London had a population of just over 1 million, making it the largest city in the world at the time. The population grew rapidly during this century, reaching 5.567 million by 1891.

During this period, London transformed from a regional centre to a global metropolis. The city, which had an area of 122 square miles in 1851, grew to 693 square miles by 1896. Industrialization also brought large numbers of rural Britons to the city of London, significantly increasing the population.

London’s population reached its peak of 8.6 million in 1939.

The Mid-20th Century Decline

After World War II, London’s population declined rapidly for almost half a century. By 1981, the population had fallen to 6.607 million, a decline of 2 million, or nearly 25%, in just four decades.

This decline reached its lowest point of 6.8 million in 1988. Inner London was particularly affected, where the population almost halved in 50 years.

The Comeback and Present Day

London’s population began to grow again in 1991, and this growth continues today in 2025. By 2022, London’s population had reached 8.9 million, exceeding its previous peak. Since 1988, London’s population has grown every year, even during economic recessions.

London has experienced rapid population growth in recent decades. Between 2011 and 2021, London’s population grew by 7.26% and is projected to reach 9.6 million by 2035. This steady growth reflects London’s economic strength and international appeal.

London’s Population Density

In September 2025, the population density is approximately 5,700 people per square kilometre (sq km), which is 0.17% higher than the TfL data 2024.

However, population density in the city is not equal everywhere. There is a huge difference between Inner London and Outer London.

• Inner London: Inner London is more densely populated than Outer London. According to the 2021 census, the population density in Inner London was approximately 10,260 people per square kilometre.

Here you will find the most densely populated urban areas, with multi-story residential apartments, overcrowded streets, and a high reliance on public transport.

• Outer London: It is more than suburban, with a population density of approximately 4,502/km2 in 2021. This area features larger, detached houses, often with traditional terraced homes, extensive green spaces, and a greater reliance on private vehicles, reflecting a more relaxed lifestyle.

Population Of London 2025 By Race

In the 2021 census, London had the highest 53.8% of white people in its population.

London’s Ethnic Diversity (2021 Census Approx.)

London is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world. Its population comprises people of numerous cultural and ethnic backgrounds. According to census data and estimates, this rich ethnic diversity shapes London’s social, cultural, and economic landscape.

The growing population of London has contributed to its flourishing cultural diversity. Within the 53.8% white population group, 36.8% are White British, 1.8% are White Irish, 0.1% are Gypsy or Irish Traveller, 0.4% are Roma, and 14.7% are European and global migrants.

Following the white ethnic group, Asians are the second largest London ethnic group, comprising approximately 22.2% of the total population, with Indians being the largest sub-group at 7.5%. The Black (13.5%) and mixed-ethnicity (2.4%) groups make up approximately 15.9% of London’s population.

Why Language and Cultural Diversity Matter for London?

This cultural diversity means that over 300 languages are spoken in London. This ethnic diversity also influences London’s economy, culture, education, and politics.

Understanding this cultural and ethnic diversity is crucial for policymaking, urban planning, housing, healthcare, education, and community services.

London Housing (2021, Census Data)

Source: trustforlondon

London Population Demographic by Age Group

According to London’s age group data, the 16-64 age group is the largest, accounting for 68.8% of the total population.

London has a younger population than the rest of England in terms of age.

London Population by Age Structure (Approximate Proportions)

Source: TrustForLondon

Age Group Distribution and Population Structure 2025

Inner London has a relatively young population. Approximately 23.5% of Inner London residents are between 25 and 34 years old. This is the largest 5-year age group. Almost half (48%) of Inner London residents are between 20 and 40 years old. They primarily work in the city centre and surrounding areas.

On the other hand, the largest age group in Outer London is 35 to 39 years old. Outer London also has a higher proportion of children and older people compared to Inner London.

Proportion of Older Population

Compared to the rest of England, London has a lower proportion of people aged 65 and over. This figure is around 9.5% in Inner London, compared to approximately 13.8% in Outer London.

Trends in Children and Young People’s Population

The proportion of children aged 0-9 in London is decreasing. In Inner London, this proportion fell from 12.6% in 2013 to 10.2% in 2023. This decline is due to migration, as families move out of Inner London to the suburbs or surrounding counties. However, the child population also decreased in Outer London, but at a slower rate than in Inner London.

The 15-24 age group is slightly larger in Outer London than in Inner London. It is smaller than the 25-34 age group in Inner London. This reflects young people moving into the city for employment opportunities as they enter early adulthood.

London Population Demographic By Gender

Statista‘s 2023 figures show that Londoners were 51% female and 49% male. In London’s population by 2025, the female population is approximately 4.66 million, and the male population is approximately 4.60 million.

Transgender and Non-Binary Population

According to the 2021 Census, 0.44% of London’s population identify as transgender. Rates differ by borough (e.g. Hackney, Brent, and Haringey higher; Bromley, Richmond, and Havering lower).

Areas with higher deprivation tend to have a higher proportion of transgender residents.

London Gender Demographics Table (2023-2025)

Source: statista, tfl

Religion Demographics in London

London is the most religiously diverse city in the UK. ONS recorded in the 2021 census data, the most common religion was Christianity (40.7%). However, there are also more non-Christian groups here than in the rest of Britain.

London Population by Religion (2021 Census)

Source: Wikipedia

In September 2025, Christianity is still the largest religious group in London. However, there is no single religion that dominates its culture and society. Over time, the Christian percentage has declined, their share of the population falling from 58.2% in 2001 to 40.7% in 2021.

The Muslim population is growing; they were only 8.5% in 2001 but 15.0% in 2021. As a result, Muslims are the second largest religious group in the city. In areas such as Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Waltham Forest, there is a huge population of this community.

Hindu and Sikh populations are also growing in West and North London. The largest population of Jews still lives in London in the UK, in areas such as Barnet and Hackney.

Ethnic Population in London

The 2021 census reported a growing trend that the number of people who have “no religion” is growing. The group of atheists and agnostics, which was 15.8% in 2001, increased to 27.1% in 2021. This shift in religious affiliation is attributed to the increasing secular values in younger generations (Gen Z), changing social attitudes, and generational differences.

The Role of Religion in Society

Religion continues to play an important civic, charitable, and cultural role in London. Due to this, religious organizations provide vital social services, support for new immigrants, and community engagement.

Engaging with London’s Demographic Future

London stands at the crossroads of a rapidly changing demographic landscape. The main reasons for this status are its role as a global city, its historical openness to newcomers, and the economic opportunities it offers. Effectively engaging with its future requires constant monitoring, inclusive policies, and a commitment to developing the city in the interest of all residents.