London isn’t just a city rich in history, but in people. Its diverse and constantly shifting tapestry of inhabitants is one of the things that makes the city so interesting—and over the last two decades, its population has steadily expanded.
So, how many people actually live in London in 2025? The question might be simple, but the answer—not so much.
If you’re thinking of moving to the city or you’re just interested in learning more, this Remitly guide will tell you the real number of people living in London. Plus, we’ll break down different factors that come into play when calculating the population and how these numbers affect housing, the economy, and daily life.
London’s 2025 population: the numbers you need to know
It’s not uncommon to see varying numbers when you look up the number of London residents in 2025. Firstly, it’s not always easy to get accurate and up-to-date information, as the city only conducts a complete, official census once every ten years. Between these, the government creates population estimates.
According to the official UK government data, along with the Greater London Authority, it’s estimated that 8,945,000 people were living in London in 2023. This is based on data collected during the 2021 census and yearly estimates.
The World Population Review currently estimates that 9,840,740 people live in London in 2025. However, each organisation uses slightly different factors to calculate their estimates. This means that numbers might differ from one source to the next, though they’re normally close in range.
A decade of steady growth
Back in 2011, London’s population sat at around 8.1 million. By the 2021 census, the population had climbed well over 8.5 million. Even with a slight decrease due to COVID-19, the numbers for London continue to move upwards.
Despite the pandemic’s multiple lockdowns, rising costs, and housing shortages, newcomers haven’t been deterred from coming to London, which is often a beacon of hope for people around the world looking for opportunities.
London vs. the world: how big is big, really?
With nearly 9.8 million residents, London is among Europe’s largest cities, almost tied with Paris at 11.3 million and well ahead of sprawling Berlin at 3.6 million. On a global scale, London sits alongside New York City, Los Angeles, and Tokyo as one of the world’s megacities, even though this term usually refers to metropolises with more than 10 million inhabitants.
Regardless of numbers, London is considered a megacity as it’s a hub for business, politics, tourism, and education, making it a major world influencer. And as of 2025, estimates show it’s also not far from hitting the 10 million mark.
Why London’s population numbers don’t always match up
Now that we have seen where the facts and figures come from, the question becomes: why do numbers sometimes differ?
The reason comes down to definitions, timing, and movement. All of these factors play a part in how the population is calculated.
Boundaries that blur
When talking about the population of London, do you automatically think of the City of London alone? Or do you think of Greater London?
How we define the boundaries of the city significantly affects population estimates. For instance, the census and estimated figures on the official government website cover less ground than those from the World Population Review. It’s a good idea to check how much of London each figure encompasses to better understand the numbers.
London may be defined as:
- Greater London
- Inner London
- Outer London
- The City of London
- The London metropolitan area
Daytime vs. nighttime London
Another factor that causes differences in the numbers is the daytime vs. nighttime population. While about 9.8 million people sleep in London every night, the number of people in London during the day can swell significantly when commuters, students, and tourists are counted and added to the data.
Business districts or business-heavy neighbourhoods of London can be brimming with people in the day and empty at night. This means there are more workers in the area than residents. During peak commuting times, public transport and other services around London can make it feel like the whole world lives there.
The floating population: students, migrants, and short-term residents
Since 2023, London universities have been home to over half a million students. With almost 50 universities and higher education colleges, the city draws international students in droves, with no sign of slowing. This group doesn’t always appear in census counts, but they definitely influence the demand for housing, transportation, and amenities.
There were also 111,100 people seeking asylum this year. Along with other migrants coming to stay in London for the short term before they settle or move elsewhere, their presence adds to the population, though it may be only temporary. This constant fluctuation of people affects the numbers and also makes London feel much more crowded at different times.
What these numbers mean for real life in London
There are roughly 7,700 residents per square mile in Greater London, based on data and estimates starting in 2017. It’s one of the most densely populated regions, not just in the UK but all of Europe.
There’s quite a lot to love about London—a city brimming with culture and activity, especially nightlife. But with so many people living so close together, and commuters adding to the city’s congestion, it can also be a bit stressful. Despite new developments, housing shortages and rental increases make it even harder to secure a place to live and call London home.
Infrastructure under pressure
More people mean more strain on everything—from the Tube to GP surgeries. Public services like the National Health Service (NHS) struggle to keep up and meet the demand of incoming patients, with many wait lists stretching for months.
If you commute on the Tube throughout the week during peak times, you’ll often find yourself squeezed in like a sardine on certain lines. This can also cause delays and the need for more upkeep, meaning construction and rerouting of lines.
Despite projects and constructions like the new Elizabeth line to ease the strain, demand continues to rise, making it harder and harder to meet the city and its people’s needs.
London has stood the test of time, but with the population growth continuing to rise, it will push the city to certain limits that will eventually impact everyone.
Everyday impact
With a population so large and infrastructure strained, Londoners are in constant competition with each other. Whether it’s housing, schooling, jobs, or GP appointments, spaces are limited, creating a competitive and unsustainable environment.
Although housing prices had been steadily increasing since 2011, with London’s continuous growth, there seems to be a bit of relief in 2025. The average price over a decade ago was £736,000 GBP. Despite the population’s continuous growth, London’s median home price is now £635,000 GBP.
While there are real impacts to the city from so much growth, it also brings innovation and diversity. Newcomers, whether long-term or short-term, add to the richness of the city and continue to add to a cultural history that is constantly evolving, which is what makes London wholly unique.
Where London’s growth comes from: migration, movement, and change
What exactly is fueling London’s constant growth over the last decades? The answer is a mix of reasons, including international migration, natural increase, and domestic movement.
Like the population data, reasons for growth are complex. Migration numbers are affected by many factors such as world events, inflation, and personal circumstances. It’s also not the only driving force behind London’s growth. Consider the changes being made in many of the boroughs, drawing in more people who now find a once undesirable area to be the new hotspot.
Migration drives numbers
The data from ONS consistently shows that migration is the largest factor driving London’s population growth. Newcomers from across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas continue to make the city one of the most international capitals in the world.
Even after Brexit, international migration remained high. From skilled workers to students to families looking for refuge, London is chosen time and again for its job market and education opportunities. Since 2021, the ONS has stated that long-term migration is at unprecedented levels due to world events.
Internal migration within the UK has also seen a steady flow, especially with young professionals moving for work. With London being such an epicentre for jobs and business, many people across the UK move from smaller or quieter areas in search of better opportunities—much like those from overseas.
The boroughs that are booming
You may have never considered living in Tower Hamlets before, but today it’s one of the fastest-growing boroughs in London. Major housing projects and other regeneration efforts across many boroughs, like Islington and Camden, aren’t only bringing new life to these areas but also enticing more and more people to settle down in them as well.
These are some of the boroughs that are growing due to their appeal to families and the space they offer:
- Barnet
- Croydon
- Bromley
- Havering
With more things to do and more space to enjoy, many boroughs are experiencing a renaissance. Areas going through a revitalisation bring a lot of positives for the community and diversity— but as we’ve seen, it can also strain services and infrastructure as growth continues.
Demographic shifts
It’s quite common for those who marry and have children to want a bit more space. Many families choose to move out of London for this reason. And while this certainly does ease the number of people for a moment or two, London demographics are shifting.
The median age of a Londoner is now 35 years old. A rise in single-person households, fewer large families needing extra space, and more cultural diversity in the boroughs entice people to stay longer. As more people move in, the population continues to swell, particularly when fewer are leaving, creating an imbalance in movement.
Thinking of moving to London?
Researching population numbers isn’t a bad idea if you’re planning to move to London, or even if you’re already living there. Knowing these numbers and other data about the city can help you better plan your future there. Overall population growth means higher rents and more demand on infrastructure. Rapid growth in certain areas can also mean significant increases in everyday costs.
Smart tips for navigating a growing city
Just because there are growing pains doesn’t mean life in London is off the table. It’s all a matter of research and preparation. Take the time to look at the numbers on the government website. This information is a great stepping stone to navigating your options on where it might be best to settle.
If you’re planning to move to the city, here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re looking at where exactly to settle:
- Think long term: Cheap rent can be great for your bank account, but consider how population growth might affect property values, commute times, and rental agreements.
- Stay flexible: New developments can change areas, making them more desirable, but they can also bring new connections and opportunities.
- Consider all options: Many people desire to live in the heart of it all. Moving further out and commuting longer might seem like a bad idea, but it may be the best for you and your bank account.
A city always in flux
London is a city that is constantly changing and growing—forever in flux. While it might sometimes feel crowded, the people are what make London so special. As the city grows, it adapts and absorbs the energy newcomers bring, adding to the already rich history of this almost 2,000-year-old city.
London isn’t a city that stands still—and that’s part of the magic. With estimates projecting even more growth in the coming years, finding balance and sustainability will ensure that the city isn’t only livable, but that people can continue to love life there as well.
FAQs
What is London’s current population in 2025?
According to the World Population Review, the estimated population of London is 9,840,740 people.
Why do population estimates differ?
London population statistics for 2025 can differ because the data collected varies depending on the exact area being covered, movement, timing, and other factors.
Which areas of London are growing the fastest?
Tower Hamlets, Islington, and Camden are three of the fastest-growing boroughs in London.