Tower Hamlets

Key figures

16 of 16 measures have a published figure for Tower Hamlets. Each figure is the publisher’s own, for the period named beside it.

Why the population is changing

The ONS breaks the year’s population change into its components (Year to mid-2025). These are its published figures for Tower Hamlets, not our estimates.

• 4,354 births and 1,098 deaths: natural change added 3,256 people.
• Moves within the UK (net) reduced the population by 6,900.
• International migration (net) added 1,789 people.
• The ONS’s balancing item (“Other”, mainly armed forces and prisoner adjustments) reduced the figure by 58.
• Altogether the population fell by 1,913 over the year (the sum of the components above — our addition of the ONS’s published figures).

Each component is a series in its own right: births, deaths, moves within the UK and international migration.

Population change, year by year

The same decomposition for every published year in Tower Hamlets: births and deaths, net moves within the UK, net international migration, and the ONS’s balancing item.

Years to mid-2024 are the ONS’s rebased back series, made consistent with Census 2021 — its figures deliberately differ from the estimates published at the time. Every cell is a published figure; the total is the sum of net moves, natural change and other, which is our addition. A dash is a year the source does not publish for this area, never a zero.

Rates per 1,000 residents

The same population flows, adjusted for Tower Hamlets’s size, so they can be compared with any other area’s: each year’s flow divided by the population that mid-year, times 1,000.

A Civometry calculation, not a published figure: ONS publishes these flows and the population, but not the rates. Net rates are signed — below zero means more left than arrived. Rates are crude, not age-standardised, so areas with very different age structures still differ for reasons size cannot remove. Each link shows the full recipe and every year.

Pay against housing costs

How pay in Tower Hamlets moved over its latest published year, beside how the cost of buying and renting moved over theirs. The three series come from different publishers on different timetables, so each row covers its own year, named in the row.

Pay rose faster than both the house price and the rent over these periods.

Levels are the publishers’ own (ONS ASHE median annual pay for full-time employees living in the area; HM Land Registry UK House Price Index; ONS Price Index of Private Rents). The percentage changes are Civometry arithmetic on the two published values in each row. Pay is a survey of employees and says nothing about a particular household; one year is weather, not climate.

Who runs the council

Aspire directly elected mayor (2026) — Other and independent 33, Labour 5, Green 5, Conservative 1, Liberal Democrat 1 of 45 seats.

Since 2016: Labour (largest party, no overall majority) (2016–2017); Labour (2018–2021); Other parties or independents (2022–2024); Aspire directly elected mayor (2025–2026)

Not an official statistic. Compiled by Open Council Data UK, an independent project, not by any government department: no official body publishes council political control. Councils are matched to GSS codes by name here; county councils and districts abolished before the current boundaries are not included. This is the one dataset on the site that is not read from an official publication, and every page that shows it says so. Source: Open Council Data UK (CC0).

Between the censuses

How Tower Hamlets’s religion, ethnic-group and country-of-birth make-up changed between the 2011 and 2021 censuses, category by category. The two censuses compared.

Crime

48,234 recorded offences in the 12 months to June 2026, 144.3 per 1,000 residents. Full crime profile, by category and month.

Published for this area

• Median annual pay, full-time employees, by area of residence2025 · up 11.7% on a year earlier · ONS, published 23 October 2025£52,000
• Births by local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 20264,354people
• Census 2011 country of birthCensus 2011 · ONS, published 30 January 2013254,096people
• Census 2021 country of birthCensus 2021 · ONS, published 2 November 2022310,306people
• Census 2011 ethnic group (detailed)Census 2011 · ONS, published 2 September 2026254,096people
• Census 2021 ethnic group (detailed)Census 2021 · ONS, published 2 September 2026310,306people
• Census 2011 ethnic group (five broad groups)Census 2011 · ONS, published 2 September 2026254,096people
• Census 2021 ethnic group (five broad groups)Census 2021 · ONS, published 2 September 2026310,306people
• Census 2021 ethnic group by age bandCensus 2021 · ONS, published 2 September 2026310,308people
• Census 2011 usual residentsCensus 2011 · ONS, published 2 September 2026254,096people
• Census 2021 usual residentsCensus 2021 · ONS, published 2 September 2026310,306people
• Census 2011 religionCensus 2011 · ONS, published 2 September 2026254,096people
• Census 2021 religionCensus 2021 · ONS, published 2 September 2026310,306people
• People claiming unemployment-related benefitsJuly 2026 · down 1.1% on a year earlier · ONS, published 18 August 202617,260people
• Claimants as a proportion of residents aged 16 to 64July 2026 · down 0.1 points on a year earlier · ONS, published 18 August 20266.7%
• Band D council tax by billing authorityYear ending March 2027 · up 4.7% on a year earlier · MHCLG, published 25 March 2026£1,838
• Deaths by local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 20261,098people
• Mean domestic electricity consumption per meter2024 · DESNZ, published 18 December 20253,046kWh a year
• Employment deprivation rate2025 · MHCLG, published 17 November 202514.3%
• Mean domestic gas consumption per meter2024 · DESNZ, published 5 May 20268,447kWh a year
• House price annual changeJune 2026 · down 17.0 points on a year earlier · HM Land Registry, published 20 August 2026-13.1%
• Average house priceJune 2026 · down 13.1% on a year earlier · HM Land Registry, published 20 August 2026£456,898
• Deprivation: IMD average score2025 · MHCLG, published 17 November 202530.6
• Deprivation: share of small areas in England's most deprived tenth2025 · MHCLG, published 17 November 202513%
• Income deprivation rate2025 · MHCLG, published 17 November 202540.1%
• Net internal migration by local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 2026-6,900people
• International migration into a local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 202613,606people
• Net international migration by local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 20261,789people
• International migration out of a local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 202611,817people
• Births minus deaths by local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 20263,256people
• Other population change by local authorityYear to mid-2025 · ONS, published 29 July 2026-58people
• Population by local authorityMid-2024 · up 0.8% on a year earlier · ONS, published 26 September 2025331,886people
• Private rent annual changeJuly 2026 · up 0.3 points on a year earlier · ONS, published 19 August 20263%
• Average private rent a monthJuly 2026 · up 3.0% on a year earlier · ONS, published 19 August 2026£2,439
• Median weekly pay, full-time employees, by area of residence2025 · up 12.3% on a year earlier · ONS, published 23 October 2025£997

National figures that apply here

These are not measured for Tower Hamlets; they are the figure for the nation or the UK, shown because they apply to everyone in it.

• Average Band D council tax (England average)Year ending March 2027 · up 4.9%£2,392
• Unemployment rate (UK)2026 Q2 · up 0.2 points4.9%
• Universal Credit caseload (Great Britain)Year ending March 2025 · up 16.3%5,473,000households
• Persistent absence (England)2024/25 academic year · down 1.8 points18.1%
• Average annual electricity bill (UK)2025 · down 1.3%£1,069

Then and now

The first and last years published for Tower Hamlets, and the difference between the two. Both figures are published for this area; the difference is those two numbers subtracted, which you can check by hand.

• £1,392Year ending March 2021→£1,838Year ending March 2027

  Band D council tax by billing authority

  In Tower Hamlets, band D council tax by billing authority rose from £1,392 in the year ending March 2021 to £1,838 in the year ending March 2027, a change of £445 or 32.0%, in cash terms, not adjusted for inflation (MHCLG).

  How this figure was worked out

  £1,838 in the year ending March 2027 − £1,392 in the year ending March 2021 = £445, which is 32.0% of the figure for the year ending March 2021.

  The two ends are rounded for display. The published figures are 1,837.78 and 1,392.42, and 1,837.78 − 1,392.42 = 445.36.

  7 published years spanning 6 years, from MHCLG. Years before the current series come from Band D council tax by billing authority, 2020-21 to 2024-25, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure. Cash terms: these are the amounts as published, not adjusted for inflation.

  In Tower Hamlets, band D council tax by billing authority rose from £1,392 in the year ending March 2021 to £1,838 in the year ending March 2027, a change of £445 or 32.0%, in cash terms, not adjusted for inflation (MHCLG).

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• £32,8962008→£52,0002025

  Median annual pay, full-time employees, by area of residence

  In Tower Hamlets, median annual pay, full-time employees, by area of residence rose from £32,896 in 2008 to £52,000 in 2025, a change of £19,104 or 58.1%, in cash terms, not adjusted for inflation (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  £52,000 in 2025 − £32,896 in 2008 = £19,104, which is 58.1% of the figure for 2008.

  17 published years spanning 17 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from Median annual pay, full-time employees, by area of residence, 2002 to 2023, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure. Cash terms: these are the amounts as published, not adjusted for inflation.

  In Tower Hamlets, median annual pay, full-time employees, by area of residence rose from £32,896 in 2008 to £52,000 in 2025, a change of £19,104 or 58.1%, in cash terms, not adjusted for inflation (ONS).

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• £6392008→£9972025

  Median weekly pay, full-time employees, by area of residence

  In Tower Hamlets, median weekly pay, full-time employees, by area of residence rose from £639 in 2008 to £997 in 2025, a change of £358 or 56.1%, in cash terms, not adjusted for inflation (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  £997 in 2025 − £639 in 2008 = £358, which is 56.1% of the figure for 2008.

  The two ends are rounded for display. The published figures are 996.60 and 638.60, and 996.60 − 638.60 = 358.00.

  18 published years spanning 17 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from Median weekly pay, full-time employees, by area of residence, 2002 to 2023, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure. Cash terms: these are the amounts as published, not adjusted for inflation.

  In Tower Hamlets, median weekly pay, full-time employees, by area of residence rose from £639 in 2008 to £997 in 2025, a change of £358 or 56.1%, in cash terms, not adjusted for inflation (ONS).

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• -1,940Year to mid-2012→-6,900Year to mid-2025

  Net internal migration by local authority

  In Tower Hamlets, net internal migration by local authority fell from -1,940 in Year to mid-2012 to -6,900 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 4,960 or 255.7% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  -6,900 in Year to mid-2025 − -1,940 in Year to mid-2012 = −4,960, which is 255.7% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from Internal migration net by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Tower Hamlets, net internal migration by local authority fell from -1,940 in Year to mid-2012 to -6,900 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 4,960 or 255.7% (ONS).

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• 14,545Year to mid-2012→13,606Year to mid-2025

  International migration into a local authority

  In Tower Hamlets, international migration into a local authority fell from 14,545 in Year to mid-2012 to 13,606 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 939 or 6.5% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  13,606 in Year to mid-2025 − 14,545 in Year to mid-2012 = −939, which is 6.5% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from International migration in by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Tower Hamlets, international migration into a local authority fell from 14,545 in Year to mid-2012 to 13,606 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 939 or 6.5% (ONS).

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• 8,533Year to mid-2012→11,817Year to mid-2025

  International migration out of a local authority

  In Tower Hamlets, international migration out of a local authority rose from 8,533 in Year to mid-2012 to 11,817 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 3,284 or 38.5% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  11,817 in Year to mid-2025 − 8,533 in Year to mid-2012 = 3,284, which is 38.5% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from International migration out by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Tower Hamlets, international migration out of a local authority rose from 8,533 in Year to mid-2012 to 11,817 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 3,284 or 38.5% (ONS).

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• 6,012Year to mid-2012→1,789Year to mid-2025

  Net international migration by local authority

  In Tower Hamlets, net international migration by local authority fell from 6,012 in Year to mid-2012 to 1,789 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 4,223 or 70.2% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  1,789 in Year to mid-2025 − 6,012 in Year to mid-2012 = −4,223, which is 70.2% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from International migration net by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Tower Hamlets, net international migration by local authority fell from 6,012 in Year to mid-2012 to 1,789 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 4,223 or 70.2% (ONS).

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• 4,710Year to mid-2012→4,354Year to mid-2025

  Births by local authority

  In Tower Hamlets, births by local authority fell from 4,710 in Year to mid-2012 to 4,354 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 356 or 7.6% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  4,354 in Year to mid-2025 − 4,710 in Year to mid-2012 = −356, which is 7.6% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from Births by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Tower Hamlets, births by local authority fell from 4,710 in Year to mid-2012 to 4,354 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 356 or 7.6% (ONS).

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• 1,063Year to mid-2012→1,098Year to mid-2025

  Deaths by local authority

  In Tower Hamlets, deaths by local authority rose from 1,063 in Year to mid-2012 to 1,098 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 35 or 3.3% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  1,098 in Year to mid-2025 − 1,063 in Year to mid-2012 = 35, which is 3.3% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from Deaths by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Tower Hamlets, deaths by local authority rose from 1,063 in Year to mid-2012 to 1,098 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 35 or 3.3% (ONS).

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• 3,647Year to mid-2012→3,256Year to mid-2025

  Births minus deaths by local authority

  In Tower Hamlets, births minus deaths by local authority fell from 3,647 in Year to mid-2012 to 3,256 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 391 or 10.7% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  3,256 in Year to mid-2025 − 3,647 in Year to mid-2012 = −391, which is 10.7% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from Natural change by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Tower Hamlets, births minus deaths by local authority fell from 3,647 in Year to mid-2012 to 3,256 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 391 or 10.7% (ONS).

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• -1,795Year to mid-2012→-58Year to mid-2025

  Other population change by local authority

  In Tower Hamlets, other population change by local authority rose from -1,795 in Year to mid-2012 to -58 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 1,737 or 96.8% (ONS).

  How this figure was worked out

  -58 in Year to mid-2025 − -1,795 in Year to mid-2012 = 1,737, which is 96.8% of the figure for Year to mid-2012.

  14 published years spanning 13 years, from ONS. Years before the current series come from Other population change by local authority, 2012 to 2024, held as a separate series so the two are never mixed inside one figure.

  In Tower Hamlets, other population change by local authority rose from -1,795 in Year to mid-2012 to -58 in Year to mid-2025, a change of 1,737 or 96.8% (ONS).

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Compare Tower Hamlets with another place

Every figure both areas publish, side by side, from its own publisher with the period named:

• Tower Hamlets and Birmingham
• Tower Hamlets and Leeds
• Tower Hamlets and North Yorkshire
• Tower Hamlets and Somerset
• Tower Hamlets and Cornwall
• Tower Hamlets and Buckinghamshire

Or open any two areas as /compare/places/<area>/<area> — the address carries the whole comparison.

Since you moved here

Pick the year you arrived, and see what every series published for Tower Hamlets said then and says now, with the periods named. Tower Hamlets since you moved here, or read the whole run year by year.

Where these figures come from

Every figure above is published by the body named here, for the release named here. Figures marked as a Civometry calculation are arithmetic on those published figures and are not official statistics.

Not yet published here

Income, employment, benefits by area, health, education and religion for Tower Hamlets are on the way where an open official source exists; where one does not, the data gaps register says why. Local claimant counts are behind a login.