Age and sex

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Waltham Forest is home to around 278,400 residents, living within around 102,900 households (Census 2021, ONS). There are approximately 20,000 more residents living in Waltham Forest than at the time of the 2011 Census. Population growth in Waltham Forest (7.8% since 2011) was similar to the London average (7.7%), but higher than in England as a whole (6.6%). Waltham Forest is among the top 5% most densely populated local authorities in England.  

Compared to 2011, the average (median) age of Waltham Forest’s population has increased by three years, from 32 to 35 years of age. The current average age is similar to London as a whole (35 years), but lower than the England average of 40 years of age [1].  

Waltham Forest has higher proportion of 0–4-year-olds than London and England on average, and a higher proportion of residents aged 35 to 49 years. Waltham Forest and London have a lower proportion of residents aged over 50 compared to the England average.  

Source: Office for National Statistics – Census 2021. Date accessed: 09 March 2023.  

Population by age and sex in Waltham Forest 

Females make up 51% of the total population in Waltham Forest compared to 49% of males (142,000 and 136,500 respectively), which is similar to the gender split in London and England as a whole. While males slightly outnumber females in age groups under 25 years, females outnumber males in age groups 25 years and over.  

Source: Office for National Statistics – Census 2021. Date accessed: 09 March 2023.  

References:    

[1] Office for National Statistics. How life has changed in Waltham Forest: Census 2021. Date accessed: 27/03/2023.