London sees its first population decline since the pandemic as 400,000 depart
Government figures reveal that London’s resident count fell for the first time since COVID, with over 400,000 people moving elsewhere in the UK last year.
Official data show a net loss of more than 400,000 Londoners in the past year, marking the city’s first population drop since the pandemic. While births outnumbered deaths and international arrivals exceeded those leaving the country, the outflow was driven mainly by families in their 30s and 40s. Rising living costs, sluggish wage growth and higher unemployment rates have made the capital less affordable, prompting the migration.
Why it matters
The shift signals mounting affordability challenges in London and could reshape housing, labour markets and public services across the UK.
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