Estimated population
Estimated number of residents living across the London Borough of Croydon in the latest mid-year estimate.
ONS mid-year population estimate, 2023
Discover businesses, shops, restaurants and professional services across a dynamic South London borough known for enterprise, culture, retail and outstanding connectivity.
Explore key figures covering Croydon’s population, business economy, commercial locations, geographical area and local visitor economy.
Estimated number of residents living across the London Borough of Croydon in the latest mid-year estimate.
ONS mid-year population estimate, 2023VAT and/or PAYE-registered enterprises recorded within the London Borough of Croydon.
IDBR snapshot, 14 March 2025Individual workplaces and operating sites located throughout Croydon’s commercial districts.
Business locations, March 2025Croydon extends from its metropolitan centre southwards through Purley and Coulsdon to the Surrey boundary.
Approximately 8,700 hectaresCroydon BID works with businesses spanning retail, hospitality, leisure and professional services.
Croydon BID membershipThe present London Borough of Croydon was formed by joining the County Borough of Croydon with Coulsdon and Purley.
Formed in April 1965
The London Borough of Croydon is a major commercial and cultural centre in South London. Its metropolitan town centre combines offices, retail, hospitality and public services, while Purley, Thornton Heath, South Norwood, Coulsdon and other district centres support active local economies. The borough also offers established industrial areas, creative organisations and extensive green space.
Customers can choose from independent traders, restaurants, professional firms, cultural venues and specialist services. Businesses benefit from a large and diverse local population, access to skilled workers and strong rail, tram and road links to central London, Gatwick Airport and the wider South East.
Croydon combines excellent regional connectivity, established commercial centres, a large workforce and a diverse customer base, creating opportunities for businesses to start, grow and serve communities across South London and the wider South East.
East Croydon, West Croydon and Tramlink connect businesses with central London, Gatwick Airport and communities across South London and neighbouring Surrey.
Council programmes, business networks, workspaces and local organisations provide practical support for entrepreneurs, independent firms and growing employers.
Croydon has a strong reputation for music, performance, visual arts, digital production, design and independent creative enterprise.
Fairfield Halls, the Museum of Croydon, historic attractions, food destinations and green spaces support hospitality, retail, leisure and visitor services.
A large, diverse working-age population, local colleges and excellent transport links give employers access to graduates, specialists and experienced professionals.
Businesses can operate in central Croydon, Purley Way, district centres, industrial locations and neighbourhood high streets throughout the borough.
Explore companies, professionals and local services operating throughout the London Borough of Croydon.
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Discover the business categories where many Croydon companies are listed. Whether you're looking for property specialists, travel providers, transport services or creative professionals, these categories make it easier to find the services you need.
Below are four of the most popular business categories in Croydon, featuring a strong representation of local businesses.
Croydon offers fast access to central London and Gatwick, varied employment opportunities, extensive transport links and more than 120 parks and open spaces. Its neighbourhoods range from busy urban centres to suburban and village settings.
Housing ranges from central apartments and social housing to period properties and suburban family homes in Purley, Coulsdon, Sanderstead and other neighbourhoods.
Diverse neighbourhoodsHousing and commercial costs vary significantly between central Croydon, northern neighbourhoods and suburban areas in the south of the borough.
Varied local pricingNational Rail, London Overground, Tramlink and extensive bus routes connect the borough with central London, Gatwick, Wimbledon, Beckenham and surrounding areas.
Excellent connectivityLloyd Park, Wandle Park, Coombe Wood, Addington Hills and many neighbourhood parks provide space for exercise, recreation and relaxation.
Parks and open spacesCroydon College, the BRIT School, local schools, libraries and training providers support academic, vocational and creative learning across the borough.
Learning and skillsEmployment opportunities span healthcare, retail, professional services, public administration, construction, hospitality, transport and the creative industries.
Diverse job marketLocal consideration: Croydon’s connections, green spaces and varied neighbourhoods offer significant lifestyle and business advantages. Housing, travel times and commercial costs vary across the borough.
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Find answers about the london borough of croydon, its business environment, local areas, main industries and how to use the London Business News Directory.
Explore common questions about visiting, living and doing business in the london borough of croydon.
Croydon is famous for its major south London town centre, strong transport connections, Boxpark Croydon, Surrey Street Market, the Whitgift and Centrale shopping areas, green spaces such as Lloyd Park and its role as one of London’s largest commercial centres outside the West End.
Recent ONS/Nomis business profile data lists around 14,460 enterprises and 16,200 local business units in Croydon, making it one of south London’s larger local economies.
Croydon town centre is the main hub for shopping, restaurants and cafés, with Centrale, Whitgift, North End, Surrey Street Market and Boxpark Croydon all close together. South Croydon, Purley, Norbury and Crystal Palace also offer popular local food, retail and service businesses.
Key sectors include retail, hospitality, property and maintenance, transport and logistics, travel services, health and wellbeing, professional services, construction, education and creative businesses.
Croydon is generally more affordable than many inner London boroughs while still offering fast rail links to central London, Gatwick Airport and surrounding south London areas. Costs vary between Croydon town centre, South Croydon, Purley, Coulsdon, Norbury and other local neighbourhoods.
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