| Region | Total population | Population change (2014-2024) | Population per km2 | % BME | % not UK-born |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London sub-region: Central | 1,441,298 | 0.6% | 11,189 | 43% | 44% |
| London sub-region: East | 2,940,373 | 9.1% | 6,369 | 50% | 38% |
| London sub-region: North | 996,334 | 2.7% | 5,053 | 44% | 43% |
| London sub-region: South | 1,688,072 | 5.5% | 4,333 | 36% | 32% |
| London sub-region: West | 2,023,659 | 7.2% | 5,127 | 53% | 47% |
| London | 9,089,736 | 6.0% | 5,782 | 46% | 41% |
| Major English cities* | 4,273,536 | 7.8% | 2,399 | 34% | 21% |
| England (incl. London) | 48,745,000 | 7.2% | 450 | 19% | 17% |
*Major English cities defined as those with a population greater than 500,000: Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Bradford, Liverpool.
Data source: Mid-year population estimates, ONS (2023). Population of the UK by country of birth and nationality, 2021 Census. Ethnic group populations, 2021 Census.
Last updated: May 2026
Next estimated update: November 2026
What’s this?
This table shows London’s population, split by geography. It also shows how each region’s population has changed in the last decade, its population density, the proportion of people that are Black or minority ethnic, and the proportion that were born outside of the UK.
(Note: The map at the bottom of the page shows which boroughs make up London’s sub-regions of Central, East, North, South and West).
What does it tell us?
Population change
Around 9.1 million people live in London, which has had an overall population growth of 6% since 2014. This is slightly lower than England’s growth of 7.2%, and also lower than the average across other major English cities (7.8%).
This growth was strongest in East London, where the population increased by 9.1%. South and West London have also had sizeable population increases of 5.5% and 7.2% respectively.
Central London has had the smallest population increase, of just 0.6%.
Population density
London’s population density is 5,782 people per km2. This means its population density is more than double that of other major English cities (2,399 per km2).
Central London has the highest level of population density with 11,189 people per km2, which is almost twice the level of London overall, and significantly above the level of the next most dense sub-region, East London (6,369 people per km2).
Ethnic diversity
London is a global city that has long attracted people from across the UK and around the world. As a result, it has a highly diverse population: around 46% of Londoners are from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Other major cities in England are also diverse, with around a third (34%) of residents from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds. This reflects a broader pattern that large urban areas tend to have more diverse populations than smaller towns and rural areas.
West London has the highest proportion (53%) of its population that are Black and Minority Ethnic, followed by East London (50%). South London more closely reflects other large English cities, at (36%).
41% of Londoners were born outside of the UK, compared to 21% of people in other major English cities. West London has the highest proportion - with 47% of residents not born in the UK, followed by Central London (44%).
London's demographics reflect its status as a global city. Toronto has 47% of residents born abroad (2016 Canada Census), Sydney 43% (2021 Aus Census), and New York 37% (US Census bureau 2020-2024).
This international character contributes significantly to London's economy - the capital generates 22% of UK GDP (£618 billion in 2023) (House of Commons Library) , with international talent playing vital roles across sectors from finance and technology to healthcare, hospitality, and the creative industries.