Borough profile

The Borough Profile 2020 brings together the key facts and figures about Tower Hamlets into one consolidated report. It presents the challenges and opportunities that make up the fabric of the borough. For the latest information about the population of Tower Hamlets, please visit the Office for National Statistics Census 2021. Read the key findings from the 2021 Census.

Read our State of the Borough report which we have published to provide organisations and residents with up-to-date information about Tower Hamlets.

row 2-9 group of people big1. Population

Tower Hamlets has one of the fastest growing, youngest, and most diverse populations in the UK.

 

15-7 laptop big2. Employment

The employment rate is below the national and London average, but employment outcomes vary widely between different groups

 

17-13 graph 1 big3. Economy

Tower Hamlets is home to one of the country’s largest economies’

 

row 11-4 piggy bank BIG4. Poverty

Despite an improvement in the borough’s deprivation rankings over time, levels of poverty remain high, particularly among pensioners and children, and the need for in-work welfare support is rising.

 

row 12-1 house big5. Housing 

The evolution and high intensity of our housing needs and housing supply mirror the rich, vibrant mix of residents living and working in the borough.  

 

row 2-1 people in hand big6. Social care

Our residents generally have a higher than average need for social care services, reflecting the borough’s high levels of deprivation.

 

health_v_Variation_17. Health

The gap between health outcomes in Tower Hamlets and elsewhere in the UK has closed in some areas, but healthy life expectancy in the borough remains below the national average.

 

row 5-6 flashing police light big8. Crime

Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour continues to be a priority for residents, the council and it’s partners.

 

row 4-5 books and writing big 9. Education

Tower Hamlets is home to highly rated schools and has seen large improvements in educational attainment in recent years.

 

18-12 leaf BIG10. Environment

Tower Hamlets aims to deliver services and  outcomes that minimise negative environmental and climatic impacts, and deliver sustainable protection and development for the climate, open spaces, built environment, urban design, conservation, landmarks and heritage.

 

19-11 bus big 11. Transport

The borough’s overall connectivity is high with its surrounding areas but less so within its boundaries.

 

19-6 map big Appendix 1: Borough Atlas (2018)

A demographic and socio-economic profile of the Tower Hamlets population by small area for 22 key indicators across the themes of diversity, poverty, employment, education, health, housing and transport.

row 9-2 tick in box big Appendix 2: Borough Equality Assessment (2016/17)

An assessment of equality in Tower Hamlets by our strategic plan outcome areas:

Borough Equality Assessment 2017/18 

Borough Equality Assessment 2019/20