Resident population
Harrow had 261,203 residents at the 2021 Census, around 3% of London’s population, living in roughly 89,600 households and forming a large, diverse local customer base and workforce.
Population at the 2021 Census
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Explore key facts covering Harrow’s population, business economy, geographical area, town centres, economic priorities and borough identity.
Harrow had 261,203 residents at the 2021 Census, around 3% of London’s population, living in roughly 89,600 households and forming a large, diverse local customer base and workforce.
Population at the 2021 CensusHarrow’s economy is built largely on small and independent businesses, with relatively few very large employers, spanning retail, professional services, hospitality, healthcare, education and trades.
Local enterprise across multiple industriesHarrow Town Centre is classified as a Metropolitan Centre, with fourteen further town centres including Wealdstone, Stanmore, Pinner, North Harrow, South Harrow and Rayners Lane.
Key business locations across the boroughHarrow is an outer London borough in the north west of the capital, with an average population density of about 5,175 people per square kilometre.
Approximately 19.5 square milesThe Harrow Economic Strategy 2023–2026 sets out the council’s priorities and programmes for building a thriving and sustainable local economy, including support for local businesses and town centres.
Supporting local business growthThe present London Borough of Harrow was created in 1965 when Greater London was formed, replacing the former Municipal Borough of Harrow in Middlesex.
London borough formed in April 1965
The London Borough of Harrow is a well-connected outer London borough in the north west of the capital, home to more than 260,000 residents and one of the most diverse communities in the country. Harrow Town Centre is a Metropolitan Centre, supported by fourteen further town centres including Wealdstone, Stanmore, Pinner, North Harrow, South Harrow and Rayners Lane, while Harrow-on-the-Hill and Harrow School give the borough its distinctive character.
For customers, Harrow offers independent shops, restaurants, hospitality venues, healthcare providers, property specialists and professional services in busy suburban high streets. For businesses, the borough provides access to a large and varied local customer base, established town centres, an economy built largely on small and independent enterprises, and strong transport connections into Central London and the wider region.
Harrow combines excellent North West London connectivity, an established network of town centres, a large and diverse customer base, council-backed economic priorities and thriving local communities, creating opportunities for businesses of different sizes and sectors.
Metropolitan, Bakerloo and Jubilee line services, London Overground, National Rail, bus and road connections give businesses convenient access to Central London, the rest of North West London and destinations across the wider region.
The Harrow Economic Strategy 2023–2026 sets out the council’s priorities for a thriving and sustainable local economy, while regeneration around Harrow and Wealdstone continues to focus investment, new space and employment opportunities in the borough.
Harrow Town Centre is a Metropolitan Centre, supported by fourteen further town centres including Wealdstone, Stanmore, Pinner, North Harrow, South Harrow and Rayners Lane, giving businesses a choice of high street locations close to local customers.
Harrow’s economy is built largely on small and independent businesses, spanning retailers, restaurants, professional services, property businesses, healthcare, hospitality, trades and many other sectors.
Schools, colleges and training providers, together with the borough’s healthcare and education sectors and its easy access to the wider London labour market, help connect employers with local talent.
With 261,203 residents in around 89,600 households, Harrow offers businesses a large local market in one of the most diverse boroughs in the country, which the council also describes as one of London’s safest.
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Harrow combines excellent North West London connectivity, established suburban neighbourhoods, a network of busy town centres, historic hilltop landmarks and access to employment across retail, hospitality, education, health, property, construction and professional services.
Harrow offers a varied mix of housing, from traditional suburban streets and period homes to modern apartments in and around the town centres. Residential areas include Harrow-on-the-Hill, Pinner, Stanmore, Hatch End, Kenton, Rayners Lane and Wealdstone.
Diverse suburban neighbourhoodsHousing, retail and commercial costs vary across the borough. Popular locations such as Pinner, Stanmore and Harrow-on-the-Hill can differ considerably from other neighbourhoods, so residents and businesses should compare costs carefully when choosing a location.
Varied outer London pricingResidents, workers and visitors benefit from the Metropolitan, Bakerloo and Jubilee lines, London Overground, National Rail and extensive bus services. Stations at Harrow-on-the-Hill and Harrow & Wealdstone provide strong connections into Central London and across North West London.
Excellent London connectivityStanmore Country Park, Bentley Priory Nature Reserve, Pinner Memorial Park, Canons Park, Harrow Recreation Ground and other local open spaces provide places for exercise, recreation, family activities and community events across the borough.
Parks and open spacesThe borough is supported by a wide range of schools, colleges and training providers, and is internationally known for Harrow School on Harrow-on-the-Hill. Education is also an important local employer and a source of skills and talent for businesses.
Schools, colleges and skillsHarrow’s economy is built largely on small and independent businesses, with employment across retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, property, construction and professional services, supported by town centre businesses throughout the borough.
Diverse employment opportunitiesLocal consideration: Harrow combines established residential neighbourhoods with busy town centres, regeneration areas and quieter suburban high streets. Property costs, transport access, customer footfall and the character of local business areas can vary between Harrow Town Centre, Wealdstone, Stanmore, Pinner and other parts of the borough.
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Explore common questions about living, working and doing business in the London Borough of Harrow.
Harrow is an outer London borough in the north west of the capital, known for Harrow School and Harrow-on-the-Hill, a busy Metropolitan Centre in Harrow Town Centre, a network of suburban town centres and one of the most diverse communities in the country. Wealdstone, Stanmore and Pinner are among its best-known areas.
Harrow Town Centre is the borough’s principal commercial centre, supported by fourteen further town centres. Important business areas include Wealdstone, Stanmore, Pinner, North Harrow, South Harrow, Rayners Lane, Kenton and Hatch End, along with local parades and high streets across the borough.
Harrow Town Centre is the main destination for shopping, with its shopping centres and high street retailers, while Pinner, Stanmore, Wealdstone and Rayners Lane have active high streets with restaurants, cafés, shops and local services. The Harrow Arts Centre in Hatch End also hosts performances and community events.
Harrow’s economy is built largely on small and independent businesses, with employment across retail, hospitality and food, healthcare, education, property and construction, professional services and other local services.
Yes. The borough benefits from Metropolitan, Bakerloo and Jubilee line services, London Overground, National Rail and extensive bus connections. Stations at Harrow-on-the-Hill and Harrow & Wealdstone provide convenient access to Central London and other parts of the capital.
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