Poverty by demographics

Poverty rates by demographic characteristics in London (2023/24 and 2024/25)

Data sources and notes
Note

These results show three-year averages to the stated date. The poverty rate is relative and is defined as households with less than 60% of the median income for each year. The category of workless families include individuals who are pensioners.

Data source

Households Below Average Income, Department for Work and Pensions

Chart source

London's Poverty Profile 2026

Last updated: August 2026
Next estimated update: May 2027

What does this indicator show?

This indicator shows the poverty rate in London (after housing costs) by demographics. A person is classed as being in poverty if you earn below 60% of the median income. Find out more about how poverty is measured here.

What does it tell us?

Poverty rates vary significantly across different demographic groups in London. The highest poverty rates are experienced by households comprised of single people with children (52%) and workless families (47%).

Black and minority ethnic groups are far more likely to be in poverty (40%) than white people (17%).

For further breakdowns by demographics, explore poverty by ethnicity, poverty by age and disability and poverty.