Facts and figures about Westminster

Infographic

Our facts and figures infographic illustrates the unique local characteristics, as well as opportunities and challenges facing the City of Westminster.

It details a wide range of relevant statistics and key subjects about Westminster grouped in 13 thematic areas from demographics and population to economy and employment, environment, social circumstances,  travel, and many others.

The stats are collected from national and local data sources and are based on the most recent data available.

This work is part of our Fairer Westminster Strategy, to help members of the public, businesses, voluntary community organisations, planners, policy makers and others to find information more easily and use it in the way they need to improve their lives.

View the facts and figures infographic

Demographics

All information as of 2020 and the 2021 Census.

Population

• 205,087
• 51% female
• 49% male
• 36% of the population are non-UK passport holders

Births and deaths

• 2,059 births
• 1,043 deaths

Nationalities and languages

Top five non-UK countries of birth

1. USA
2. Italy
3. France
4. India
5. Spain

Top five languages other than English:

1. Arabic
2. French
3. Spanish
4. Italian
5. Portuguese

Migration

• 43,061 inflow
• 34,418 outflow

About the council

Satisfaction rates, as of 2021

• Satisfaction with the council, 94%
• Residents feeling they are well informed, 77%
• Residents feeling that they are involved, 69%
• Number of council employees, 2,769

Education

All information as of 2021.

• Percent of the population with no qualifications, 12.89%
• Not in education, training or employment (NEETS) as a percent of the population, 3.3%

Schools

• 53 state funded schools
• 32 independent schools

Businesses

• 52,000 businesses in Westminster, 2022
• 767,000 jobs in Westminster, 2021

Top industries as of 2021

1. Professional, scientific and technical
2. Public administration and defence
3. Accommodation and food services
4. Information and communication
5. Financial and insurance

Economy

• Median household income, £52,151, 2022
• Economically active, 72.8%, April 2023
• Employment rate, 70.4%, April 2023
• Unemployment, 3.3%, April 2023
• Gross value added, £72billion, 2022

Housing

Average house price, £2,329,819, April 2022 to March 2023

Residential types as of April 2021

• Private sector, 78%
• Social providers, 12%
• Local authority, 9%
• Other public sector providers, 1%

Planning

From April 2022 to March 2023, there were:

• 41 major applications
• 2,180 minor applications

From 2019 to 2022, there were:

• 2,371 residential units completed
• 20% of them were affordable

Deprivation

• 14% of all residents, as measured by the Index of Multiple Deprivations
• 23% of children, as measured by the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index
• 39% of older people, as measured by the Income Deprivation Affecting Older People Index

Vulnerable people

• 20,000 families, as measured by Low Income Families Together, July 2022

Claimant count, March 2023

• 2,700 women
• 3,500 men

People who are sleeping rough

• 243, at the last street count in March 2023

Environment

• 112 public parks and open spaces, as of 2021
• 22% recycling rate, 2021 to 2022
• Greenhouse gas emissions were down 4.2% in 2019
• Air quality is within acceptable limits, measured in September 2022
• 1,500 electric vehicle charging points, as of March 2023

Air quality

Areas with the poorest air quality

1. Oxford Street East
2. Waterloo Place
3. Strand

Wellbeing

All information as of 2022

• 84% reported feeling happy the previous day
• 13% reported feeling anxious the previous day
• 96% of residents generally feel safe
• 90% of residents are generally satisfied with life

Crime

All information as of February 2023

• 28 crimes reported per 1000 of the population

Most affected wards, number of crimes:

1. West End, 2,912
2. St James', 1,946
3. Marylebone, 300
4. Hyde Park, 260
5. Knightsbridge and Belgravia, 190

Types of crime:

1. Thefts, 4,463
2. Violence against the person, 919
3. Public order offences, 424

Total offences: 7,768

Tourism and travel

Average visitor numbers, 2017 to 2019

• Average yearly visitors, 25 million
• Yearly visitor expenditure, £1.7 billion

Most popular attractions, April 2023

1. Somerset House (985,000)
2. ZSL London Zoo (742,000)
3. The National Gallery (709,000)
4. Tate Britain
5. National Portrait Gallery

Average daily travel numbers, April 2023

1. Tourist, 434,000
2. Shopping, 296,000
3. Terminus, 121,000