Havering’s Population Soars by Almost 43,000 in 14 Years as Borough Reaches 280,000 Residents
Havering’s population has increased by almost 43,000 people since 2011, with the borough now home to an estimated 280,787 residents, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The figures reveal substantial growth across the borough, with the population rising from an estimated 237,927 in mid-2011 to 280,787 in mid-2025.
That represents an increase of 42,860 people, equivalent to approximately 18% in 14 years.
The growth has also been reflected in the Census figures. Between the 2011 and 2021 censuses, Havering’s population increased by approximately 10.5%, from around 237,200 to 262,100.
This was higher than the population increase recorded across London as a whole during the same period, which was 7.7%.
The latest ONS estimates show that the borough’s population has continued to rise since the 2021 Census, reaching an estimated 280,787 by mid-2025.
What is driving the increase?
Havering Council’s 2026 Joint Strategic Needs Assessment provides a breakdown of the population increase between 2023 and 2024.
During that year, the borough’s estimated population increased by 5,969 people, or 2.21%.
The council’s analysis attributed the increase to three main factors:
- International migration: a net increase of 2,853 people.
- Internal migration: a net increase of 2,104 people moving into Havering from elsewhere in the UK.
- Births exceeding deaths: a net increase of 1,028 people.
These figures show that migration and natural population change both contributed to Havering’s growth. They relate specifically to the 2023–2024 period, rather than the entire 14-year increase.
Romford’s changing population
Romford has also experienced significant population growth.
Historical figures published by Havering’s public health team show that Romford Town ward experienced a 21% population increase between 2001 and 2011, rising from 13,200 to 15,921 residents.
This was the highest percentage increase of any Havering ward during that period.
However, these are historical ward figures and should not be confused with the latest population figures for Romford as a whole.
What does this mean for Havering?
With the borough’s population now approaching 281,000, the figures provide an important backdrop to the debate about housing, infrastructure and public services.
As Havering continues to grow, questions remain about how well local infrastructure and services can accommodate the changing population.
From healthcare and school places to roads, transport, parking and community facilities, the latest figures provide an opportunity to examine whether provision is keeping pace with the number of people living in the borough.
The population figures do not, by themselves, establish that any particular service is under pressure. However, they provide an important starting point for asking how the borough is planning for continued growth.
Havering’s population has risen substantially over the past 14 years, and the latest figures show that the trend has continued.
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