According to 2021 Census data, approximately 53.1% to 59.4% of Hackney's population identifies as White (including White British, White Irish, and White Other). The specific White British population is 36.2%, making it the largest single ethnic group, though it has decreased significantly from 44.1% in 2001.
Cities across the UK regions with high White British populations included Swansea (91.5%), Kingston Upon Hull (89.7%), Plymouth (92.2%), Darlington (93.7%), Belfast (96.4% – NI classification "white"), Norwich (84.7%), Liverpool (84.8%) and Chelmsford (90.0%).
Hackney is among the top 10 most dangerous boroughs in London. The overall crime rate in Hackney in 2025 was 99 crimes per 1,000 people. This compares poorly to London's overall crime rate, coming in 17% higher than the London rate of 85 per 1,000 daytime population.
. . . while the least white place in London - by far - is Southall Broadway, where just 8.7% of the population consider themselves White British. There's only one ward in the city with a more than 5% Chinese population, which Millwall in Tower Hamlets at 5.4%.
Around 47% of the population come from Black and Global Majority groups, with the largest (21%) being Black or Black British. 36% of the population are White British. Hackney has one the largest groups of Charedi Jewish people in Europe.
Brixton is mainly residential, though includes Brixton Market and a substantial retail sector. It is a multi-ethnic community, with a large percentage of its population of Afro-Caribbean descent. It lies within Inner London and is bordered by Stockwell, Clapham, Streatham, Camberwell, Tulse Hill, Balham and Herne Hill.
The biggest immigrant population in London, by country of birth, is from India, followed by large communities from Romania, Poland, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, reflecting both historical Commonwealth ties and recent EU migration patterns, with India consistently leading as the largest single non-UK birthplace, notes the Trust for London.
Yes, Hackney is traditionally considered a core area for Cockney culture, with its working-class roots and proximity to the East End's Bow Bells (St Mary-le-Bow), making it a place where both the accent and Cockney identity have historically thrived, though modern London's demographics mean it's more diverse now, with evolving accents like MLE.
Situated in northeast London, Hackney is often considered to be one of the city's main creative hubs, a district filled with markets, music and delicious food galore. The boundaries of the Borough have fluctuated over the decades, and so too has the locals' conception of what defines Hackney.
Brent, Newham and Tower Hamlets have the highest percentage of non-White British residents and the highest proportion of households with multiple ethnic groups.
Greater London has the largest Pakistani community in the United Kingdom. The 2021 Census recorded 290,549 Pakistanis living in London. However, it only forms 3.3% of London's population, which is significantly lower than other British cities.
Indians emerge wealthiest ethnic group in UK, says LSE study. A London School of Economics report reveals significant wealth growth for people of Indian origin in the UK over the past decade, while the Pakistani ethnic group experienced a decline.
The area with the highest number of asylum seekers living in contingency accommodation is Tory-controlled Hillingdon where 2,238 asylum seekers are housed - around 0.7% of the more than 300,000 people living in the North London borough.
But do people seeking asylum get this free housing forever? No. When someone gets refugee status, they can no longer stay in asylum accommodation. They can choose where to live, but they have to pay for their rent or ask for government help – like any UK citizen.
Germany has the most immigrants in absolute numbers within the EU, with over 16.9 million foreign-born residents, followed by France, Spain, and Italy, but Liechtenstein has the highest proportion, with 70% of its small population being immigrants. Germany leads in total foreign-born individuals, while countries like Luxembourg and Malta have the highest percentages relative to their resident population, making them key immigrant destinations by share.
Newham has the lowest percentage of both total White and White British residents of all of London's boroughs. The joint-lowest wards with White British population are Green Street East and Green Street West, each having 4.8% – the third-lowest behind Southall Broadway and Southall Green in Ealing.
The primary recommendation is to remain mindful to ensure that you stay on the well-known streets, keep walking alone, and should not walk during the night, use authorized taxi or rideshare services to make your way back to the place where you stay.
Most of London is perfectly safe for you to travel through. However for those eager to avoid crime, there are a few boroughs which have been flagged as particular 'danger hotspots'. These include Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Haringey and Lambeth.
John's Wood. St. John's Wood is a prestigious residential area known for its quiet streets and proximity to Regent's Park. The area has a suburban feel with all the luxuries of city living, making it ideal for those who want quiet and convenience.
