Resident population
Hillingdon had 305,909 residents at the 2021 Census, up from 273,936 in 2011, forming a large and growing customer base and workforce in West London.
Population at the 2021 Census
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Explore key facts covering Hillingdon’s population, Heathrow, town centres, geographical area, Green Belt, local heritage and borough identity.
Hillingdon had 305,909 residents at the 2021 Census, up from 273,936 in 2011, forming a large and growing customer base and workforce in West London.
Population at the 2021 CensusHeathrow Airport, which opened for civil flights in 1946, lies within Hillingdon and is one of the world’s busiest international airports, driving jobs, logistics, hotels and services across the borough.
Global aviation hubUxbridge is Hillingdon’s principal town and civic centre, with Hayes, Ruislip and Northwood among the other main commercial and high street centres.
Key business locations across the boroughHillingdon is an outer London borough and the second largest in London by area, with a lower population density than most boroughs because large areas are parkland, farmland and Green Belt.
Approximately 116 square kilometresMore than half of Hillingdon is parks, woodland, farmland and open countryside, including protected Metropolitan Green Belt, giving the borough a distinctive green edge.
Protected Green Belt and open spaceThe London Borough of Hillingdon was created in 1965 under the London Government Act 1963, bringing together the former Middlesex districts of Uxbridge, Hayes and Harlington, Ruislip-Northwood and Yiewsley and West Drayton.
London borough formed in April 1965
The London Borough of Hillingdon is West London’s gateway borough, an outer London borough of around 306,000 residents and the second largest in the capital by area. Home to Heathrow Airport, Hillingdon is anchored by Uxbridge as its principal town, with Hayes, Ruislip and Northwood as further commercial centres, while more than half of the borough is parks, woodland and countryside, giving it a distinctive mix of global connections, busy town centres and green suburbs.
For customers, Hillingdon offers high street shops, independent retailers, restaurants, hotels and hospitality venues, healthcare providers, property specialists and professional services across its main town centres. For businesses, the borough provides access to a large local population, the Heathrow economy, logistics and aviation-linked trade, and transport connections into Central London and the wider South East.
Hillingdon combines Heathrow and West London connectivity, busy town centres, a large local customer base, aviation-linked trade and extensive Green Belt surroundings, creating opportunities for businesses of different sizes and sectors.
Elizabeth, Piccadilly, Metropolitan and Central line services, together with bus, M4 and M40 road connections, give businesses convenient access to Central London, Heathrow and destinations across the wider region.
Heathrow Airport lies within Hillingdon, supporting jobs and demand for hotels, logistics, transport, catering and professional services in the surrounding area, which creates opportunities for local businesses.
Uxbridge is the principal town, with Hayes, Ruislip and Northwood among the other main commercial centres, giving businesses a choice of high street locations close to local customers.
Uxbridge is home to the borough’s civic centre and Brunel University London, bringing students, staff and visitors that support local retailers, food businesses and service providers.
More than half of Hillingdon is parks, woodland, farmland and open countryside, including Metropolitan Green Belt, giving businesses, residents and visitors access to green space alongside busy town centres.
With 305,909 residents at the 2021 Census, up from 273,936 in 2011, Hillingdon offers businesses a large and growing local market across one of London’s biggest outer boroughs.
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Hillingdon combines Heathrow and West London connectivity, leafy suburbs, busy town centres, extensive Green Belt countryside and access to employment across aviation, logistics, retail, hospitality, health, education, property and construction.
Hillingdon offers a varied mix of housing, from leafy Metroland suburbs such as Ruislip, Eastcote and Northwood to village-style communities like Harefield and Ickenham and modern apartments in and around Uxbridge and Hayes. Residential areas include Uxbridge, Ruislip, Northwood, Hayes, West Drayton and Yiewsley.
Leafy suburbs and town centresHousing, retail and commercial costs vary across the borough. Popular locations such as Northwood, Ruislip and Eastcote 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 Elizabeth line services at Hayes & Harlington and West Drayton, Piccadilly and Metropolitan line services to Uxbridge, Ruislip and Northwood, Central line services at West Ruislip and extensive bus links, with road connections including the M4, M40, M25 and A40.
Excellent London connectivityRuislip Lido, Ruislip Woods, the Colne Valley Regional Park and the Grand Union Canal are among the local parks and open spaces, supported by parkland, woodland and countryside covering more than half the borough, with room for exercise, recreation, family activities and community events.
Parks and open countrysideThe borough is supported by a wide range of schools, further education colleges and training providers, and is home to Brunel University London in Uxbridge. Education is also an important local employer and a source of skills and talent for businesses across Uxbridge, Hayes, Ruislip and the wider borough.
Schools, university and skillsEmployment spans Heathrow and aviation-linked work, logistics and industry in Hayes and Stockley Park business areas, retail and hospitality in the town centres, and healthcare, alongside education, property and professional services businesses throughout the borough.
Diverse employment opportunitiesLocal consideration: Hillingdon combines established residential neighbourhoods with busy town centres, the Heathrow economy and Green Belt countryside. Property costs, transport access, customer footfall and the character of local business areas can vary between Uxbridge, Hayes, Ruislip, Northwood and other parts of the borough.
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Explore common questions about living, working and doing business in the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Hillingdon is West London’s gateway borough, an outer London borough of around 306,000 residents, known for Heathrow Airport, the town of Uxbridge and Brunel University London, the leafy suburbs of Ruislip and Northwood, and extensive parks, woodland and countryside covering more than half of the borough.
Uxbridge is the borough’s principal town and civic centre, with Hayes, Ruislip and Northwood among the other main commercial centres. Businesses can also be found around Heathrow, West Drayton, Yiewsley, Eastcote and Harefield, along with local parades and high streets across the borough.
Uxbridge is the main destination for shopping and dining, with shopping centres such as The Chimes and The Pavilions, while Ruislip, Northwood and Eastcote have popular high streets with independent shops, cafés and restaurants. The Beck Theatre in Hayes and the Compass Theatre in Ickenham also host performances and community events.
Hillingdon supports businesses across aviation, logistics and transport linked to Heathrow, retail and hospitality in its town centres, healthcare, education, property and construction, and a wide range of local professional and personal services.
Yes. The borough benefits from Elizabeth line services at Hayes & Harlington and West Drayton, Piccadilly and Metropolitan line services to Uxbridge, Ruislip and Northwood, Central line services at West Ruislip and extensive bus connections, with road links including the M4, M40, M25 and A40. These provide convenient access to Heathrow, Central London and the wider region.
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