West Europe

London population (UK)

13/04/2025
Population Information

Population of London (capital city of UK) is approximately 9,26 million people by 2025, the 36th most populous city in the world.

Total population

The total population of the London metropolitan area in 2025 is estimated at approx. 9,26 million people, according to World Population Review and ONS (based on 2024 figures).

In 2023, Greater London's population is expected to be 8,95 million (ONS, Mid-Year Estimates 2024), up from 8,87 million in 2022. The metropolitan area covers an area of ​​approximately 1.572 km², with population density approximately 5.690 people/km² (Trust for London, 2023).

From 2020 (8,8 million) to 2025, the population increased by around 460.000 people, with an average growth rate of 0,9-1% per year, mainly due to international immigration (especially from India, Nigeria, Romania). However, the growth rate has slowed compared to the period 2001-2019 due to Brexit, COVID-19, and internal migration to regions such as the South East of England (ONS, 2024).

Gender structure

Data from Statista (2025 forecast) for Greater London:

  • Male: 50,3% (about 4,66 million people out of a total of 9,26 million).
  • Female: 49,7% (about 4,60 million people).

The sex ratio is 101 males/100 females, higher than the national average (97 males/100 females, Worldometer 2025), as London attracts a large number of young male workers from abroad. However, in the over-65 age group, women dominate due to higher life expectancy (84,7 years for women vs 80,7 years for men, ONS 2023). With a total population of 9,26 million in 2025, men are estimated to number around 4,66 million and women 4,60 million.

Age structure

Age structure of Greater London in 2023, according to ONS (Mid-Year Estimates) and Trust for London:

  • Under 15 years old: 18,0% (about 1,61 million people).
  • From 15-64 years old: 69,5% (about 6,22 million people).
  • Over 65 years old: 12,5% (about 1,12 million people).

London has a younger population than the national average (17,0% under 15, 19,0% over 65), thanks to young worker immigration and higher birth rates in immigrant communities. Estimated 2025:

  • Under 15 years old: 17,5% (~1,62 million people).
  • 15-64 years old: 69,0% (~6,39 million people).
  • Over 65 years old: 13,5% (~1,25 million people).

The median age in London is around 36 years, lower than the national average (40,1 years), reflecting its role as an economic and educational centre. The 25-34 age group is the largest (18%), particularly in Inner London (Trust for London, 2020).

London population (UK)
City of London (UK)

Population change

Historical data from ONS, UN Data, and World Population Review:

  • 1950: 8,36 million people.
  • 1981: 6,8 million people.
  • 2001: 7,32 million people.
  • 2011: 8,17 million people.
  • 2020: 8,8 million people.
  • 2025: 9,26 million people (estimated).

From 1981-1988, London’s population fell to 6,73 million due to out-migration and economic recession. From 2001-2019, the population grew strongly (an average of 1,5-2% per year), driven by international immigration (37% of the population was born outside the UK, ONS 2021) and economic growth (London contributes 22% of UK GDP). From 2020-2025, the growth rate slowed to 0,9-1%, due to:

  • Low birth rate (1,5 children/woman, below replacement level of 2,1).
  • Positive net migration (~50.000-100.000 people/year from international, mainly Africa and South Asia).
  • Negative internal migration (London loses 0,9% of population due to internal migration, ONS 2023).
  • The impact of Brexit and COVID-19 reduces immigration from the EU.

Forecast

Greater London population projections based on ONS (2022-based projections) and Statista:

  • Short term (until 2035): The population could reach 9,8 million, growing at 0,5-0,8% per year, thanks to international immigration and its role as a financial and cultural centre (22 universities, 4 UNESCO sites). Growth is limited by high housing costs (average price £708.000, 2023) and negative internal migration.
  • Long term (until 2050): The population is likely to peak at 10 million around 2043 (Statista forecasts 9,81 million in 2043), then stabilise or decline slightly due to falling fertility rates (expected to be below 1,4 children per woman), an ageing population (20% over 65), and tighter immigration policies. This is consistent with the UK population forecast to reach 72,5 million in 2032 and then slow down (ONS, 2025).

London authorities are pushing projects like Crossrail 2 and social housing to manage population, but the challenges of inequality (Inner London is richer than Outer London), traffic congestion, and climate change (Thames flooding) remain severe.

Sources:

UK population

Do you know?

View: 1.371