Population in Britain by Race 2025
The demographic landscape of Britain continues to evolve, reflecting centuries of migration, cultural exchange, and social transformation. The United Kingdom’s population by ethnicity demonstrates remarkable diversity that shapes every aspect of British society, from education and healthcare to politics and business. Understanding the British population by race 2025 requires examining comprehensive census data alongside current population estimates that paint a picture of one of Europe’s most multicultural nations.
Britain in 2025 represents a nation where approximately 16% of the UK population comes from minority ethnic backgrounds, marking significant demographic shifts over recent decades. The most comprehensive official data comes from the 2021 Census, conducted by the Office for National Statistics, which provides the foundational statistics for understanding ethnic composition across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. These figures reveal that 81.7% of the population of England and Wales identified as White, while 18.3% belonged to Black, Asian, Mixed, or other ethnic groups. The patterns of settlement, regional variations, and generational changes tell compelling stories about how British identity has transformed and continues to develop in meaningful ways.
Interesting Facts About Population by Race in Britain 2025
| Fact Category | Key Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Minority Ethnic Population | 16% of UK population (approximately 10.7 million people) are from minority ethnic backgrounds in 2024/25 |
| White British Decline | The White British population decreased from 80.5% in 2011 to 74.4% in 2021 |
| Fastest Growing Group | The Asian ethnic group saw the largest increase, rising from 7.5% in 2011 to 9.3% in 2021 |
| Most Diverse City | London remains Britain’s most ethnically diverse region with 46.2% of residents from Asian, Black, Mixed or other ethnic groups |
| No Majority Cities | Birmingham, Leicester, London, and Manchester are now “no majority” cities where no single ethnic group exceeds 50% |
| Regional Variation | The North East and Wales have the highest White British populations at 90.6% each |
| London’s White British | Only 36.8% of Londoners identify as White British in 2021 |
| Ethnic Minority MPs | Following the 2024 General Election, approximately 90 MPs (14%) are from minority ethnic backgrounds |
Data Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021; House of Commons Library Research Briefing 2024/25
As of 2024/25, minority ethnic groups make up approximately 16% of the UK population, representing around 10.7 million people. The demographic composition of the country has shifted significantly over the past decade, with the White British population declining from 80.5% in 2011 to 74.4% in 2021, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The Asian ethnic group remains the fastest-growing demographic, increasing from 7.5% in 2011 to 9.3% in 2021, while London continues to stand out as the most ethnically diverse region, with 46.2% of residents identifying as Asian, Black, Mixed, or belonging to other ethnic groups.
Several major UK cities — including Birmingham, Leicester, London, and Manchester — are now considered “no majority” cities, where no single ethnic group represents over 50% of the population. In contrast, regions such as the North East and Wales remain less diverse, each maintaining a White British population of 90.6%. Within the capital, only 36.8% of Londoners identify as White British, highlighting the city’s dynamic multicultural landscape. Additionally, representation within politics has grown more diverse, with around 90 Members of Parliament (14%) from minority ethnic backgrounds following the 2024 General Election, reflecting the evolving diversity across the UK’s social and political fabric.
Latest Statistics on British Population by Race in Britain 2021-2025
| Ethnic Group | Population (Millions) | Percentage of Total | Change from 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|
| White British | 44.4 | 74.4% | -6.1% (from 80.5%) |
| White Irish | 0.5 | 0.9% | -0.3% (from 1.2%) |
| White Other | 3.7 | 6.2% | +1.8% (from 4.4%) |
| Asian/Asian British | 5.5 | 9.3% | +1.8% (from 7.5%) |
| Black/Black British | 2.4 | 4.0% | +0.7% (from 3.3%) |
| Mixed/Multiple Ethnic | 1.7 | 2.9% | +0.7% (from 2.2%) |
| Other Ethnic Groups | 1.2 | 2.1% | +1.0% (from 1.0%) |
| Total Population | 59.6 | 100% | +5.9% |
Data Source: Office for National Statistics, Census 2021 (England and Wales); UK Government Ethnicity Facts and Figures
The British population by race 2021-2025 statistics reveal transformative demographic changes that reflect decades of immigration, changing birth rates, and evolving cultural identities. The White ethnic group comprised 81.7% (48.7 million people) of usual residents in England and Wales during the 2021 Census, representing a decrease from 86.0% (48.2 million) recorded in 2011. Within this broader White category, the White British population experienced the most substantial decline, dropping from 45.1 million in 2011 to 44.4 million in 2021, which translates to a percentage decrease from 80.5% to 74.4% of the total population.
The Asian, Asian British, or Asian Welsh ethnic group became the second-largest ethnic category, accounting for 9.3% (5.5 million people) of the overall population. This group demonstrated the largest percentage point increase from 2011, rising from 7.5% (4.2 million people), representing an addition of 1.3 million individuals over the decade. The Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean, or African ethnic groups comprised 4.0% (2.4 million people) of the population, up from 3.3% in 2011. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups category represented 2.9% (1.7 million people), increasing from 2.2% in 2011, while people identifying with Other ethnic groups accounted for 2.1% (1.2 million), doubling from 1.0% a decade earlier. These shifts demonstrate how the ethnic composition of Britain in 2025 continues to diversify, with minority ethnic groups now representing approximately 18.3% of the population in England and Wales, compared to 14.0% in 2011.
Asian Population Breakdown in Britain 2021
| Asian Ethnic Subgroup | Population | Percentage of Total UK | Percentage of Asian Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian | 1,864,318 | 3.1% | 33.9% |
| Pakistani | 1,587,819 | 2.7% | 28.9% |
| Bangladeshi | 652,538 | 1.1% | 11.9% |
| Chinese | 445,646 | 0.7% | 8.1% |
| Other Asian | 943,479 | 1.6% | 17.2% |
| Total Asian | 5,493,800 | 9.3% | 100% |
Data Source: Office for National Statistics, Census 2021, Ethnic Group Tables (TS021)
The Asian population in Britain 2021 demonstrates considerable internal diversity, with five main subgroups representing distinct cultural, linguistic, and regional origins. The Indian ethnic group remains the largest Asian subgroup in Britain, with 1,864,318 people representing 3.1% of the total population and nearly 34% of all Asian residents. The Pakistani community comprises the second-largest group with 1,587,819 individuals (2.7% of the total population), followed by the Bangladeshi population with 652,538 people (1.1%). The Chinese ethnic group accounts for 445,646 residents (0.7%), while the Other Asian category—which includes people from various Asian backgrounds including Filipino, Vietnamese, Thai, Nepalese, and other Asian ethnicities—comprises 943,479 individuals (1.6%).
These figures reveal how the Asian population in Britain 2021 has grown substantially over the past two decades, with the total Asian population more than doubling from approximately 2.3 million in 2001 to 5.5 million in 2021. The growth has been driven by multiple factors including family reunification, skilled worker migration, student immigration, and natural population increase through births. Geographic concentration varies significantly, with London hosting 33.0% of the total Asian population in Britain, followed by the West Midlands (14.4%), North West (13.9%), and Yorkshire and the Humber (10.7%). The Pakistani ethnic group shows particularly strong regional concentrations, with 20.1% living in the West Midlands, 19.1% in the North West, and 18.7% in Yorkshire and the Humber. The Indian population demonstrates more dispersed settlement patterns across London, the West Midlands, and the East Midlands.
Black Population Distribution in Britain 2021
| Black Ethnic Subgroup | Population | Percentage of Total UK | Percentage of Black Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black African | 1,485,020 | 2.5% | 61.9% |
| Black Caribbean | 623,115 | 1.0% | 26.0% |
| Other Black | 290,965 | 0.5% | 12.1% |
| Total Black | 2,399,100 | 4.0% | 100% |
Data Source: Office for National Statistics, Census 2021, Ethnic Group Detailed Tables
The Black population in Britain 2021 totals approximately 2.4 million people, representing 4.0% of the England and Wales population. The Black African ethnic group comprises the majority at 1,485,020 individuals (2.5% of the total population), reflecting both longstanding communities and more recent migration from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The Black Caribbean population numbers 623,115 people (1.0% of the total), representing communities with deep historical roots in Britain, particularly descendants of the Windrush generation who arrived from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, and other Caribbean nations between the 1940s and 1970s. The Other Black category, which includes mixed Black backgrounds and Black populations not specifically African or Caribbean, accounts for 290,965 individuals (0.5%).
The geographic distribution of the Black population in Britain 2021 shows strong concentration in urban areas, with 49.3% of all Black people in England and Wales living in London. The capital’s boroughs with the highest Black populations include Lewisham, Southwark, Croydon, Lambeth, and Newham. Beyond London, 11.2% of the Black population resides in the West Midlands, particularly in Birmingham, while the North West (7.8%), South East (8.4%), and East Midlands (5.2%) also host substantial Black communities. The Black Caribbean population tends to be more concentrated in London and the West Midlands, reflecting historical settlement patterns from the mid-20th century, whereas the Black African population shows somewhat broader geographic dispersion, including growing communities in university cities and areas with NHS employment opportunities.
Regional Ethnic Diversity in Britain 2021
| Region | White British % | Asian % | Black % | Mixed % | Other % | Ethnic Minority Total % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | 36.8% | 20.7% | 13.5% | 5.7% | 6.2% | 63.2% |
| West Midlands | 70.6% | 13.3% | 4.5% | 3.5% | 2.1% | 29.4% |
| North West | 80.5% | 8.2% | 2.4% | 2.3% | 1.3% | 19.5% |
| Yorkshire/Humber | 79.2% | 9.4% | 2.3% | 2.0% | 1.2% | 20.8% |
| East Midlands | 80.5% | 9.0% | 2.5% | 2.0% | 1.1% | 19.5% |
| South East | 83.8% | 6.1% | 2.5% | 2.2% | 1.3% | 16.2% |
| East of England | 84.5% | 6.6% | 2.3% | 1.8% | 1.2% | 15.5% |
| South West | 91.8% | 2.8% | 1.6% | 1.6% | 0.9% | 8.2% |
| North East | 90.6% | 3.8% | 1.0% | 1.2% | 0.8% | 9.4% |
| Wales | 90.6% | 2.9% | 0.9% | 1.4% | 1.0% | 9.4% |
Data Source: UK Government Ethnicity Facts and Figures, Census 2021 Regional Ethnic Diversity Data
The regional ethnic diversity in Britain 2021 reveals striking geographic variations in ethnic composition across England and Wales. London stands as the most ethnically diverse region in Britain, where White British people comprise only 36.8% of the population, making it the only region where they represent a minority. The capital’s diversity is remarkable, with 20.7% of Londoners identifying as Asian, 13.5% as Black, 5.7% as Mixed ethnicity, and 6.2% from Other ethnic groups. This means that 63.2% of London’s population comes from non-White British backgrounds, a figure that has increased steadily over the past three decades.
The West Midlands emerges as the second most diverse region with 29.4% of residents from minority ethnic backgrounds, driven largely by substantial Asian (13.3%) and Black (4.5%) populations concentrated in Birmingham, Coventry, and Wolverhampton. Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West show similar diversity levels at approximately 20% ethnic minority populations, with significant Asian communities in cities like Bradford, Leeds, Manchester, and Rochdale. In contrast, the North East and Wales remain the least ethnically diverse regions, both with 90.6% White British populations and only 9.4% from minority ethnic backgrounds. The South West shows similar patterns with 91.8% White British residents. These regional variations in ethnic diversity in Britain 2021 reflect historical settlement patterns, employment opportunities, established community networks, and regional economic differences.
Major Cities Ethnic Composition in Britain 2021
| City | Total Population | White % | Asian % | Black % | Mixed % | Other % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | 8,961,989 | 53.8% | 20.7% | 13.5% | 5.7% | 6.2% |
| Birmingham | 1,144,919 | 48.6% | 31.0% | 11.0% | 5.0% | 4.4% |
| Manchester | 552,858 | 57.0% | 21.0% | 12.0% | 5.0% | 5.0% |
| Leicester | 368,581 | 45.1% | 43.4% | 6.3% | 3.5% | 1.7% |
| Leeds | 812,000 | 80.5% | 11.0% | 4.0% | 3.0% | 1.5% |
| Glasgow | 635,640 | 88.0% | 8.1% | 2.4% | 0.8% | 0.7% |
Data Source: Office for National Statistics, Census 2021; Local Authority Population Estimates
The ethnic composition of major British cities in 2021 demonstrates how urban centers have become focal points for demographic diversity. Birmingham, Britain’s second-largest city, has become a “no majority” city where the White population (48.6%) no longer forms a majority. The city’s Asian population represents 31.0% of residents (355,384 people), with substantial Pakistani (13.5%), Bangladeshi (3.0%), and Indian (6.0%) communities. Birmingham’s Black population comprises 11.0% (125,760 people), making it home to one of Britain’s largest African-Caribbean communities outside London.
Manchester recorded 552,858 residents in the 2021 Census, with 57.0% identifying as White, 21.0% as Asian, and 12.0% as Black. The city’s diversity has increased substantially, driven by immigration, student populations, and economic opportunities in the technology and creative sectors. Leicester represents Britain’s most Asian-concentrated city, where Asian residents comprise 43.4% of the population, predominantly from Indian (28.0%) and Pakistani (2.5%) backgrounds. The White population in Leicester decreased to 45.1%, making it another “no majority” city. Leeds, Yorkshire’s largest city, maintains a higher White population (80.5%) while hosting growing Asian (11.0%) and Black (4.0%) communities concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, shows less ethnic diversity with 88.0% White residents, though its Asian population (8.1%) has grown significantly since 2011.
White Ethnic Subgroups in Britain 2021
| White Ethnic Subgroup | Population | Percentage of Total | Change from 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|
| White British | 44,355,044 | 74.4% | -6.1% |
| White Irish | 531,087 | 0.9% | -0.3% |
| Gypsy/Irish Traveller | 60,000 | 0.1% | New category |
| Roma | 100,964 | 0.2% | New in 2021 |
| White Other | 3,667,997 | 6.2% | +1.8% |
| Total White | 48,715,092 | 81.7% | -4.3% |
Data Source: Office for National Statistics, Census 2021, Ethnic Group Detailed Classification
The White ethnic population in Britain 2021 demonstrates internal diversity often overlooked in broader discussions about ethnicity. While the White British group remains the largest single ethnic category at 74.4%, other White ethnic groups collectively represent 7.3% of the population. The White Other category experienced the largest growth among all ethnic groups, increasing from 4.4% in 2011 to 6.2% in 2021—a rise of 1.8 percentage points. This category includes people from Poland (743,100 people, making them the second-largest foreign-born group after those born in India), Romania (366,000), Italy (225,000), Portugal (137,000), and numerous other European and global origins.
The White Irish population decreased slightly from 1.2% in 2011 to 0.9% in 2021 (531,087 people), reflecting both demographic aging and changing migration patterns. The 2021 Census introduced new categories for Gypsy or Irish Traveller (approximately 60,000 people) and Roma (100,964 people), recognizing these distinct communities for the first time. These additions acknowledge longstanding British populations that historically faced significant discrimination and social exclusion. The White Other group’s substantial growth reflects post-2004 EU expansion migration, particularly from Central and Eastern European countries, alongside migration from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States, and other nations. Geographic distribution varies significantly: 30.8% of White Irish people and 35.2% of White Other populations live in London, while the South East and North West also host substantial numbers.
Mixed and Multiple Ethnic Groups in Britain 2021
| Mixed Ethnic Subgroup | Population | Percentage of Total | Percentage of Mixed Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| White & Black Caribbean | 513,040 | 0.9% | 30.2% |
| White & Black African | 249,593 | 0.4% | 14.7% |
| White & Asian | 554,448 | 0.9% | 32.6% |
| Other Mixed | 423,719 | 0.7% | 24.9% |
| Total Mixed | 1,700,000 | 2.9% | 100% |
Data Source: Office for National Statistics, Census 2021, Mixed Ethnic Group Tables
The Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups category represents one of Britain’s fastest-growing demographic segments, increasing from 2.2% in 2011 to 2.9% in 2021, totaling approximately 1.7 million people. This growth reflects both increased mixed-ethnicity births and greater willingness among individuals to identify with multiple ethnic heritages. The White and Asian mixed group comprises the largest subgroup at 554,448 people (32.6% of the mixed category), followed closely by White and Black Caribbean at 513,040 people (30.2%). The White and Black African category accounts for 249,593 individuals (14.7%), while Other Mixed backgrounds represent 423,719 people (24.9%), encompassing diverse combinations not captured by the main categories.
The Mixed ethnic population in Britain 2021 demonstrates Britain’s increasing ethnic integration, with 10.1% of households (2.5 million) containing two or more ethnic groups. The median age of 19 years for Mixed ethnic groups is the youngest among all ethnic categories, compared to 40 years for the general population and 43 years for the White group, indicating this demographic’s youthfulness and future significance. Geographic distribution shows 29.4% of Mixed ethnic people living in London, significantly higher than their proportion of the national population, reflecting the capital’s greater ethnic diversity and higher rates of inter-ethnic relationships. England recorded 10.4% of households as multi-ethnic compared to 5.3% in Wales, with particularly high rates in ethnically diverse urban areas.
Age Distribution by Ethnicity in Britain 2021
| Ethnic Group | Median Age (Years) | Under 18 % | 18-64 % | 65+ % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White British | 43 | 18.7% | 58.5% | 22.8% |
| White Other | 35 | 15.2% | 74.1% | 10.7% |
| Asian | 29 | 27.6% | 64.3% | 8.1% |
| Black | 28 | 28.5% | 63.8% | 7.7% |
| Mixed | 19 | 46.8% | 48.9% | 4.3% |
| Other | 32 | 23.4% | 68.7% | 7.9% |
| All Population | 40 | 21.3% | 60.9% | 17.8% |
Data Source: Office for National Statistics, Census 2021, Ethnic Group by Age and Sex
The age distribution by ethnicity in Britain 2021 reveals substantial demographic differences across ethnic groups with profound implications for education, healthcare, and social policy. The White British population has the oldest age profile with a median age of 43 years and 22.8% aged 65 or over, reflecting lower birth rates and an aging demographic structure. This contrasts sharply with minority ethnic groups, which have considerably younger populations. The Asian ethnic group has a median age of 29 years, with 27.6% under age 18 and only 8.1% aged 65 or older. The Black population shows a similar pattern with a median age of 28 years, 28.5% under 18, and 7.7% aged 65 plus.
The Mixed ethnic group demonstrates the youngest age profile with a median age of just 19 years and an extraordinary 46.8% under age 18. This youthful demographic structure reflects the group’s relatively recent emergence and high proportion of children. Only 4.3% of Mixed ethnic people are aged 65 or over. The White Other category shows an intermediate age structure with a median age of 35 years, reflecting its composition of recent working-age migrants. These age differences have significant social and economic implications: younger ethnic minority populations will increasingly drive workforce growth, educational demand, and future demographic trends, while the aging White British population will generate growing demands for pension support, healthcare services, and age-related social care. The overall UK median age of 40 years masks these substantial ethnic variations that will shape Britain’s demographic future through 2025 and beyond.
Scotland and Northern Ireland Ethnicity in Britain 2021-2022
| Country | Total Population | White % | Asian % | Black % | Mixed % | Other % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | 5,436,600 | 93.0% | 4.2% | 1.0% | 0.4% | 1.4% |
| Northern Ireland | 1,903,175 | 96.6% | 1.9% | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.3% |
| England | 56,536,000 | 79.8% | 9.6% | 4.2% | 3.0% | 3.4% |
| Wales | 3,105,000 | 93.8% | 2.9% | 0.9% | 1.4% | 1.0% |
Data Source: National Records of Scotland Census 2022; NISRA Census 2021; ONS Census 2021
The ethnic composition across the four nations of Britain in 2021-2022 demonstrates substantial regional variation. Scotland’s 2022 Census recorded 5,436,600 residents, with 93.0% identifying as White and 7.0% from minority ethnic backgrounds. Scotland’s Asian population comprises 4.2% (approximately 228,000 people), predominantly of Pakistani (2.0%) and Indian (0.7%) heritage, with growing Chinese (0.7%) communities. The Black population represents 1.0%, while Mixed and Other ethnic groups account for 0.4% and 1.4% respectively. Scotland’s ethnic minority population concentrates heavily in Glasgow (12.0% minority ethnic) and Edinburgh (11.0%), while rural areas remain predominantly White.
Northern Ireland remains the least ethnically diverse part of the UK, with the 2021 Census recording 96.6% of the 1,903,175 population as White. Only 3.4% come from minority ethnic backgrounds: Asian (1.9%), Black (0.6%), Mixed (0.6%), and Other (0.3%). The largest minority ethnic groups include Indian (0.36%), Chinese (0.35%), Filipino (0.19%), and Polish (1.17% of those born outside Northern Ireland). Wales shows 93.8% of its 3,105,000 residents identifying as White, with 6.2% from minority ethnic backgrounds: Asian (2.9%), Black (0.9%), Mixed (1.4%), and Other (1.0%). Cardiff, Wales’s capital, demonstrates greater diversity with approximately 16% minority ethnic population. England remains the most diverse nation with 20.2% minority ethnic population, driven by substantial ethnic diversity in London and other major cities.
The demographic trajectory of Britain’s population by ethnicity through 2025 and beyond points toward continued diversification driven by multiple interconnected factors. Current projections suggest the minority ethnic population will continue growing as a proportion of the total UK population, potentially reaching 20-22% by 2030. The White British population is projected to continue its proportional decline, though it will remain the largest single ethnic group for decades. Birth rate differentials play a significant role: minority ethnic groups generally have higher fertility rates (averaging 2.0-2.5 children per woman) compared to the White British population (1.6 children per woman), accelerating demographic shifts through natural population increase rather than migration alone.
Migration patterns will continue shaping ethnic composition, though post-Brexit immigration policies have reoriented flows toward skilled workers from Asia, Africa, and the Americas rather than European Union nations. The age structure of different ethnic groups ensures continued diversification: with 46.8% of Mixed ethnic people, 28.5% of Black people, and 27.6% of Asian people under age 18, these younger populations will increasingly drive workforce participation, educational enrollment, and cultural influence. Geographic patterns suggest continued concentration in urban areas, particularly London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester, and other major cities, while rural areas will likely remain predominantly White British. The emergence of “no majority” cities represents not an endpoint but an ongoing process, with additional cities potentially joining this category by 2030. Understanding these demographic shifts remains essential for policymakers, businesses, educators, and healthcare providers planning for Britain’s increasingly diverse future. The ethnic composition of Britain in 2025 reflects both historical legacies and contemporary realities that will continue evolving for generations to come.
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.