Resident population
Tower Hamlets had 310,300 residents at the 2021 Census, up from 254,096 in 2011, forming a large customer base and workforce in East London.
Population at the 2021 Census
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Explore key facts covering the borough’s population, transport links, business areas, geographical area, heritage and borough identity.
Tower Hamlets had 310,300 residents at the 2021 Census, up from 254,096 in 2011, forming a large customer base and workforce in East London.
Population at the 2021 CensusThe District, Hammersmith & City, Central and Jubilee lines, the DLR and the Elizabeth line serve the borough, with Overground stations at Whitechapel, Shadwell and Wapping, and National Rail from Fenchurch Street and Liverpool Street.
Tube, DLR and rail connectedWhitechapel, Mile End, Bow, Poplar, Limehouse, Wapping, Shadwell, Stepney, Bethnal Green and Spitalfields, plus the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf.
Key business locations across the boroughTower Hamlets lies on the north bank of the Thames, immediately east of the City of London, bordering Hackney to the north and Newham across the River Lea to the east.
Approximately 20 square kilometresCanary Wharf is one of the world’s largest central business districts, while Brick Lane, Columbia Road and Whitechapel market add independent retail and street-market trade.
Business, markets and cultureThe London Borough of Tower Hamlets was created on 1 April 1965 under the London Government Act 1963, merging the former boroughs of Bethnal Green, Poplar and Stepney.
Named after the historic Tower Hamlets liberty
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is an East London borough on the north bank of the Thames, home to around 310,000 residents. Created in 1965 from the former boroughs of Bethnal Green, Poplar and Stepney, it brings together Whitechapel, Bow, Poplar, Limehouse, Wapping, Bethnal Green and the Isle of Dogs, giving the borough a mix of global finance, historic markets, creative neighbourhoods and busy local high streets.
For customers, Tower Hamlets offers local high streets, independent retailers, market traders, restaurants, cafés, healthcare providers, property specialists and professional services across its main business areas. For businesses, the borough provides access to a large local population, the Canary Wharf business district, universities such as Queen Mary University of London, and Tube, DLR and Elizabeth line connections.
Tower Hamlets combines Tube, DLR and Elizabeth line links, the Canary Wharf business district, historic markets and a large local customer base, creating opportunities for businesses of different sizes and sectors.
The District, Hammersmith & City, Central and Jubilee lines, the DLR and the Elizabeth line at Whitechapel and Canary Wharf serve the borough, alongside Overground stations and National Rail from Fenchurch Street and Liverpool Street, giving businesses access across London.
The Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Brick Lane, Columbia Road flower market and Trinity Buoy Wharf add to local activity and visitor interest, supporting demand for hospitality, retail and local services.
Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, Bow, Poplar, Limehouse, Wapping, Stepney and Canary Wharf offer local high streets and business districts close to customers.
Queen Mary University of London, London Metropolitan University, Northeastern University London, the London Interdisciplinary School and New City College bring staff, students and visitors to the area who support restaurants, cafés and service providers.
Victoria Park, Mile End Park, Island Gardens, Mudchute Park and the Regent’s Canal give businesses, residents and visitors access to green space and waterside routes alongside busy high streets.
With 310,300 residents at the 2021 Census, up from 254,096 in 2011, alongside the workforce and visitors drawn to Canary Wharf, Tower Hamlets offers businesses a large local market in East London.
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Tower Hamlets combines the Canary Wharf business district, historic markets, riverside and canal-side neighbourhoods, and Tube, DLR and Elizabeth line links, with access to employment across finance, retail, hospitality, education, creative industries and local business.
Tower Hamlets offers a varied mix of urban housing across its districts, from Bethnal Green, Bow and Poplar to Limehouse, Wapping and the Isle of Dogs, with new residential and commercial development around Canary Wharf.
Urban districtsHousing, retail and commercial costs can vary across the borough, so residents and businesses should compare costs carefully when choosing a location.
Costs vary by areaResidents and workers use the District, Hammersmith & City, Central and Jubilee lines, the DLR, the Elizabeth line at Whitechapel and Canary Wharf, Overground stations at Whitechapel, Shadwell and Wapping, and National Rail from Fenchurch Street and Liverpool Street. Tower Bridge and the Blackwall and Rotherhithe tunnels cross the Thames.
Tube, DLR and railVictoria Park, Mile End Park, Island Gardens, Mudchute Park, King Edward Memorial Park and Altab Ali Park offer room for exercise, recreation and community events, alongside the Regent’s Canal and Limehouse Basin.
Parks and waterwaysQueen Mary University of London, London Metropolitan University, Northeastern University London, the London Interdisciplinary School and New City College provide skills and talent for businesses across the borough.
Universities and collegesEmployment spans finance and professional services at Canary Wharf, where tenants include Barclays, HSBC, Citigroup and J.P. Morgan, alongside markets, retail, hospitality, education and creative organisations such as those at Trinity Buoy Wharf.
Diverse employment opportunitiesLocal consideration: Tower Hamlets combines a global business district, historic markets and dense urban neighbourhoods in East London. Property costs, transport access, customer footfall and the character of local business areas can vary between Canary Wharf, Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, Bow and other parts of the borough.
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Explore common questions about living, working and doing business in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Tower Hamlets is an East London borough on the north bank of the Thames with around 310,000 residents, known for Canary Wharf, Brick Lane, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. It was created in 1965 by merging the former boroughs of Bethnal Green, Poplar and Stepney.
Canary Wharf, Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, Bow, Poplar, Limehouse, Wapping, Stepney, Spitalfields and the Isle of Dogs are among the borough’s main districts. Canary Wharf is a major banking and financial hub, while Whitechapel, Brick Lane and Columbia Road support market trade and independent retail.
Brick Lane, Columbia Road flower market and Whitechapel market are popular for food, shopping and independent retail, while Trinity Buoy Wharf, Victoria Park and Mile End Park add culture and leisure. The Tower of London and Tower Bridge draw visitors to the western edge of the borough.
Tower Hamlets supports businesses across finance and banking at Canary Wharf, professional services, markets and retail, hospitality, higher education (including Queen Mary University of London and London Metropolitan University) and creative organisations, alongside a wide range of local services.
Yes. The District, Hammersmith & City, Central and Jubilee lines, the DLR and the Elizabeth line (at Whitechapel and Canary Wharf) serve the borough, with Overground stations at Whitechapel, Shadwell and Wapping and National Rail from Fenchurch Street and Liverpool Street. Tower Bridge and the Blackwall and Rotherhithe tunnels cross the Thames.
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