Black Population in England 2025 | Statistics & Facts

Black Population in England 2025

England has witnessed remarkable demographic shifts over the past two decades, with the black population emerging as a significant and growing component of the nation’s cultural fabric. The transformation reflects broader patterns of migration, settlement, and community establishment that have shaped modern English society. Understanding these demographic trends provides crucial insights into the evolving multicultural landscape of England and helps inform policy decisions across education, employment, housing, and public services.

The black population in England encompasses individuals identifying as Black African, Black Caribbean, and those from any other Black background. According to the most recent comprehensive data from the 2021 Census conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), this community represents a vital and dynamic segment of English society. The census data reveals not only the size and distribution of the black population but also highlights important trends in age demographics, geographic concentration, educational attainment, employment patterns, and socioeconomic circumstances. These statistics serve as essential benchmarks for understanding both the progress achieved and the challenges that persist in creating an equitable society for all ethnic groups.

Interesting Stats & Facts: Black Population in England 2025

Data Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021; GOV.UK Ethnicity Facts and Figures

The statistics reveal that the black population has experienced consistent growth over the past twenty years, nearly doubling from 2.2% in 2001 to 4.0% in 2021. This growth trajectory demonstrates sustained demographic expansion, driven primarily by the Black African community, which now represents the largest subgroup within the black population at 2.5% of the total population. The Black Caribbean community, while historically significant, has shown more modest growth and now comprises 1.0% of the population.

Geographic concentration remains a defining characteristic of the black population in England. Nearly half of all black people (49.3%) reside in London, making the capital by far the most significant center of black British life. The West Midlands emerges as the second major region, hosting 11.2% of the black population, with substantial communities in Birmingham, Coventry, and Wolverhampton. This concentration pattern reflects historical settlement patterns from the mid-20th century Windrush generation, ongoing migration trends, employment opportunities, and the presence of established community networks that continue to attract new residents.

Black Population Distribution by Ethnic Groups in England 2025

Data Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021; GOV.UK Ethnicity Facts and Figures – Population of England and Wales

The breakdown of the black population by specific ethnic subgroups reveals important distinctions within the broader community. Black African individuals constitute the overwhelming majority at 61.8% of the total black population, reflecting sustained migration from various African nations over recent decades. This group has experienced the most rapid growth, increasing from 1.8% in 2011 to 2.5% in 2021. The 2021 Census introduced a significant methodological improvement by allowing people in the Black African category to write in their specific country of origin, providing richer data about the diverse backgrounds within this group.

The Black Caribbean community, historically rooted in post-World War II migration from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and other Caribbean islands, now represents 25.9% of the black population. While this community has remained relatively stable in size over recent censuses (1.0% to 1.1%), it continues to play a culturally significant role, particularly in London boroughs and cities like Birmingham and Manchester. The category “Any Other Black Background” accounts for 12.4% and includes individuals who identify as black but do not fit into the African or Caribbean categories, potentially including those of mixed heritage who identify primarily as black, or those from other regions with black populations.

Regional Distribution of Black Population in England 2025

Data Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021; GOV.UK Ethnicity Facts and Figures – Regional Ethnic Diversity

The regional distribution data demonstrates stark geographic disparities in where black people live across England and Wales. London stands out dramatically with 13.5% of its population identifying as black, representing approximately 1.19 million people. This concentration means that London alone is home to nearly half of England and Wales’s entire black population. Within London, certain boroughs show even higher concentrations, with Lewisham (27.2%), Southwark (26.9%), and Lambeth (25.9%) having the highest proportions of black residents in the country.

The West Midlands emerges as the second most significant region for the black population at 4.5%, driven primarily by Birmingham’s substantial black community of approximately 125,760 people (11.0%), making it home to one of Britain’s largest African-Caribbean communities outside London. Other West Midlands cities with notable black populations include Coventry (9%), Wolverhampton (9.3%), and Sandwell (8.7%). The North West and South East regions each host between 2.3% to 2.4% black residents, with Manchester recording 12% black population, making it the city with the highest black population proportion outside London.

The regions with the lowest black population percentages are the North East (1.0%) and Wales (0.9%), reflecting both historical settlement patterns and ongoing demographic trends. These regions remain predominantly White British, with 90.6% of their populations identifying as such. The South West also shows relatively low black population representation at 1.2%, though cities like Bristol have more substantial black communities at approximately 6%.

Top 10 Local Authorities with Highest Black Population in England 2025

Data Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021; Wikipedia – Black British People

All ten local authorities with the highest black population percentages are located in London, underscoring the capital’s role as the epicenter of black British life. Lewisham leads with more than one in four residents (27.2%) identifying as black, followed closely by Southwark (26.9%) and Lambeth (25.9%). These three boroughs have historically been home to large Black Caribbean communities, particularly Lewisham, where 11.2% of residents identify specifically as Black Caribbean, the highest proportion in the country.

The data reveals interesting patterns in the composition of these communities. While some boroughs like Lewisham, Lambeth, and Croydon have higher proportions of Black Caribbean residents, others such as Southwark, Barking and Dagenham, and Greenwich are characterized by larger Black African populations. Southwark has the highest Black African population at 16.4%, followed by Barking and Dagenham (15.4%) and Greenwich (13.8%). This pattern reflects more recent migration trends, with Black African communities experiencing faster growth than Black Caribbean communities in recent decades.

Outside London, Manchester has the highest black population proportion at 11.94%, followed by Birmingham (11.0%), Nottingham (10%), Coventry (9%), and Wolverhampton (9.3%). These cities represent important centers of black British life beyond the capital, each with distinct community characteristics and histories shaped by post-war migration patterns and subsequent settlement.

Black Population Age Demographics in England 2025

Data Source: UK Census 2021 Analysis; Parkat Demographic Research

The black population in England exhibits a markedly younger age profile compared to the overall population, with significant implications for education policy, workforce planning, and future demographic trends. The median age of the black population is 31 years, substantially younger than the national median of 40 years and significantly lower than the White British median age of 45 years. This nine-year difference represents a substantial generational gap with important social and economic ramifications.

More than half (56%) of the black population is under the age of 30, compared to only 37% for the national population. The proportion of black people under 18 years (32%) is dramatically higher than the national average of 21%, indicating a young and growing population with substantial future potential. This youthful demographic structure partly reflects higher birth rates within black communities and the relatively recent arrival of many Black African migrants who are of childbearing age. The 18-29 years age bracket also shows significant over-representation at 24% compared to the national 16%, reflecting strong cohorts moving through education and entering the workforce.

Conversely, older age groups are notably underrepresented in the black population. Only 5% of black people are aged 65 years and over, compared to 19% nationally, a stark 14 percentage point difference. This pattern reflects both the relatively recent growth of the black population through migration and the fact that many first-generation migrants from the Windrush era and subsequent decades are only now reaching retirement age. The 45-64 years age group also shows lower representation at 17% compared to the national 26%. This age profile suggests that the black population will continue to grow as a proportion of England’s overall population through natural increase, even without continued migration.

Black Population Employment and Occupation in England 2025

Data Source: GOV.UK Ethnicity Facts and Figures – Employment by Sector and Occupation 2021; Annual Population Survey

Employment patterns for the black population in England reveal both achievements and persistent disparities in the labor market. The overall employment rate for black workers stands at approximately 68-70%, which is 5-7 percentage points lower than the national average of 75%. The unemployment rate for black Britons is approximately 9-13%, significantly higher than the White population’s 5% unemployment rate. These gaps have persisted over time, though some improvement has been noted in recent years.

A striking feature of black employment is the heavy concentration in the public administration, education, and health sector, where 47.2% of black workers are employed, the highest percentage among all ethnic groups and substantially above the national average of 32.2%. This concentration reflects both career preferences and the significant presence of black workers in the National Health Service (NHS), education, and social care sectors. Within occupations, 18.5% of black workers are in ‘caring, leisure and other services’ jobs, again the highest percentage among all ethnic groups, more than double the national average.

However, representation in higher-status occupations remains a significant challenge. Only 4.6% of black workers hold ‘manager, director or senior official’ positions, compared to the national average of 10.8% and 13.5% for White Irish workers. This underrepresentation in leadership roles indicates barriers to career progression that persist even when educational qualifications are comparable. In professional occupations, black workers comprise 23.0%, slightly below the national average of 25.7%, though this varies significantly by specific profession, with stronger representation in health and education professions than in law, finance, or engineering.

At the other end of the occupational spectrum, 13.2% of black workers are in elementary occupations (the least skilled jobs), compared to the national average of 9.4%, indicating a degree of occupational segregation. Combined with the 12.4% of workers from the white other ethnic group in these roles, this suggests that recent migrants, regardless of previous qualifications, often start in lower-skilled positions. The earnings gap further compounds these occupational disparities, with black workers earning on average less than their white counterparts even when controlling for education and occupation, though specific figures vary considerably by gender, age, and specific ethnic subgroup.

Black Students Education Attainment in England 2021-2023

Data Source: Department for Education 2021-2023; House of Commons Library Research Briefing; Universities UK Report

Educational outcomes for black students in England present a complex and nuanced picture that varies significantly across different educational stages and between specific ethnic subgroups. At GCSE level, recent data from 2022-2023 shows that black students have largely achieved parity with their white British peers in key measures. The combined English and maths standard pass rate for black students reached 59-62%, virtually identical to or slightly ahead of the White major ethnic group at 58-60%. This represents substantial progress from earlier decades when significant gaps existed.

However, this overall picture masks important differences between Black African and Black Caribbean students. Black African students achieve an Attainment 8 score of approximately 50.2, very close to the White British average of 50.9. In contrast, Black Caribbean students score approximately 45.8, representing a gap of -5.1 points, equivalent to roughly half a grade lower across eight GCSE subjects. The Mixed White and Black Caribbean group shows similar patterns to Black Caribbean students. These disparities persist even when socioeconomic status is controlled for, suggesting additional factors beyond material deprivation affect educational outcomes.

The picture becomes more concerning at A-Level and university degree level. Black students are more likely to progress to Further Education and university than White students, with a 54.0% university entry rate compared to 43.3% for white students. This higher progression rate reflects both educational aspirations and the recognition that higher education offers important pathways to career success. However, once at university, black students face a significant attainment gap. Only 14.0% of black students achieve first-class degrees, compared to 30.9% of white students, a gap of 16.9 percentage points. This pattern suggests systemic barriers within higher education institutions that disadvantage black students despite their achievement of university entry.

Black Population Housing and Living Conditions in England 2025

Data Source: UK Government Race Disparity Audit 2020; 2021 Census Housing Analysis; Institute of Race Relations Research

Housing outcomes for the black population in England reveal some of the starkest disparities across all measured indicators, with significant implications for wealth accumulation, family stability, and overall quality of life. Home ownership rates among black households vary considerably by specific ethnic group but are universally lower than the White British rate of 68%. Black African households have the lowest home ownership rate at approximately 20%, while Black Caribbean households fare somewhat better at 40%, though this still represents a substantial 28 percentage point gap with the white British population.

This home ownership gap reflects multiple intersecting factors including lower average incomes, higher unemployment rates, difficulties accessing mortgage finance, discrimination in the housing market, and the relative youth of the black population meaning many have not yet reached peak earning and wealth accumulation years. The disparity has profound long-term consequences, as home ownership represents the primary wealth-building mechanism for most British families. The inability to access home ownership means that black families accumulate significantly less wealth over time, perpetuating intergenerational economic disadvantages.

Black people in England are nearly three times more likely to live in social housing compared to white British people, reflecting both lower incomes and the legacy of housing policies that concentrated ethnic minority populations in public housing estates. Conversely, black households are also heavily represented in the private rental sector, where they often face higher costs and less security than owner-occupiers. Research has documented persistent discrimination in both rental and sales markets, with black applicants receiving fewer responses to housing inquiries and facing more stringent rental requirements.

Overcrowding represents another critical housing challenge for the black population. Approximately 27% of black British people live in overcrowded households, nearly six times the rate of the white population at 4.6%. Black African households specifically experience an overcrowding rate of 16.3% compared to 1.7% for White British households. Overcrowding has been linked to numerous negative outcomes including poor mental and physical health, reduced educational attainment for children, and increased family stress. The high rates among black households reflect a combination of factors including larger family sizes, lower incomes constraining housing choices, concentration in urban areas where housing costs are higher, and discrimination limiting housing options.

Black Population Growth Trends in England 2001-2021

Data Source: Office for National Statistics Census Data 2001, 2011, 2021; UK Population Projections

The black population in England has experienced sustained and substantial growth over the past two decades, nearly doubling from approximately 1.15 million people (2.2%) in 2001 to 2.41 million (4.0%) in 2021. This growth trajectory represents one of the most significant demographic shifts in modern English history. The most rapid growth occurred between 2001 and 2011, with an increase of 65.2%, driven largely by substantial migration from African countries during this period, particularly from Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, and Zimbabwe.

The growth rate moderated somewhat between 2011 and 2021 to 26.8%, though this still represents substantial expansion. This deceleration reflects both changing migration patterns and the maturation of established communities. Notably, the Black African population continues to show the strongest growth, increasing from 1.8% in 2011 to 2.5% in 2021, while the Black Caribbean population has remained relatively stable at around 1.0-1.1%, reflecting lower ongoing migration from the Caribbean and an aging population among earlier migrants.

Several factors drive the continued growth of the black population. Natural increase plays an increasingly important role, as the young age profile of the black population means high birth rates. The median age of 31 years and the fact that 32% of black people are under 18 ensures ongoing population growth through births even without continued migration. International migration continues to contribute, though at potentially lower rates than the 2001-2011 decade, with students, skilled workers, and family reunification representing key pathways. Additionally, the growth of second and third-generation black British populations, who are more likely to form families in the UK, contributes to natural increase.

Looking forward, demographic projections suggest the black population will continue to grow, potentially reaching approximately 2.9 million (4.5%) by 2031, though such projections carry uncertainty. This growth will be driven primarily by the young age structure of the current population, with high numbers of black people in childbearing years. The geographic distribution may also evolve, with potential expansion beyond London and traditional centers into other urban areas, though London is likely to remain the primary hub of black British life for the foreseeable future. These demographic trends have significant implications for education provision, healthcare, employment services, and political representation in the coming decades.

Black Population Socioeconomic Indicators in England 2025

Data Source: UK Government Statistics; Institute of Race Relations Poverty Research; ONS Labour Force Survey

Socioeconomic indicators reveal persistent disparities affecting the black population in England, with the poverty rate after housing costs standing at 38%, nearly double the White population’s 20%. This stark difference reflects cumulative disadvantages across employment, education, housing, and wealth accumulation. The high poverty rate has profound implications for life chances, affecting everything from children’s educational outcomes to health status and stress levels. Black children are disproportionately represented among those living in poverty, with implications for their future opportunities and outcomes.

Eligibility for Free School Meals (FSM), a key indicator of family economic hardship, is significantly higher among black students than the 14% national average for White British students. However, notably, black students eligible for FSM perform better on several GCSE measures than the national average for all FSM-eligible students, suggesting resilience and strong educational aspirations despite economic challenges. This pattern indicates that while socioeconomic disadvantage affects black communities disproportionately, it does not fully explain educational or other outcomes, pointing to the complex interplay of factors affecting black people’s life chances.

The median household income for black families falls below the national average, contributing to the housing difficulties, overcrowding, and poverty rates discussed earlier. Income disparities persist even among graduates, with black graduates earning less on average than white graduates even when controlling for degree subject, class of degree, and university attended. This suggests that labor market discrimination and other structural barriers continue to affect earnings potential. Self-employment rates among the black population are generally lower than for White British people, though this varies by specific ethnic group and sector.

Economic inactivity rates (those neither employed nor seeking work) are higher among some segments of the black population, though this requires careful interpretation as it includes students, caregivers, those unable to work due to disability, and early retirees. The young age profile of the black population means a higher proportion are full-time students, contributing to higher economic inactivity rates. However, when examining only those of working age not in education, disparities in economic participation persist, linked to factors including childcare responsibilities, health conditions, discrimination, and discouragement from unsuccessful job searching.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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