ONS Data Shows Havering’s Population Up by 14,000 in Three Years.

Havering’s population continues to grow strongly, new figures show.

Havering’s population is continuing to rise, adding significant pressure to housing, services and infrastructure across the borough. According to the latest Office for National Statistics estimates, Havering’s population reached around 276,274 in mid-2024, up from 262,086 in 2021, an increase of more than 14,000 residents over three years.

That growth equates to roughly 5,000 new residents each year in recent years, highlighting an ongoing trend of population expansion that shows no sign of slowing. Much of this increase is being driven by a mixture of people moving into the borough from other parts of the UK, international migration and natural growth (births outnumbering deaths).

People moving from other areas within the UK has played a role, with previous estimates showing hundreds of people moving into Havering each year from other parts of the country, alongside significant net international migration from abroad. Between 2021 and 2022, for example, there were an estimated 327 people who moved into Havering from other parts of the UK, and 1,635 people arriving from abroad.

The growing population reflects Havering’s appeal as a borough with comparatively more affordable housing and family-friendly communities, but it also brings real challenges. Local services such as schools, health care, transport and housing are under increasing strain, and the pressure for new homes continues to rise.

Council planners and local politicians have repeatedly pointed to population growth as a key factor behind Havering’s housing crisis and the need for careful planning and investment. With estimates suggesting the population could continue rising towards 274,000 and beyond, the debate over infrastructure, green space protection and service provision is set to remain at the forefront of local politics.

As the borough grows, understanding the numbers behind Havering’s changing population will be crucial for planning the homes, facilities and services that local residents need.

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