Ethnicity 2001, Table KS06

The 2001 Census showed that Redbridge had a higher than London average of people stating their ethnic group as Black and Minority Ethnic at 36.5%. 57.4% of people stated their ethnic group as White British, compared to 59.8% for London and 87% for England and Wales. The recent mid-2006 Ethnicity estimates (pdf 24kb) show that the ethnic profile of Redbridge has changed markedly.

The second largest ethnic group was Indian, at 14%, followed by Pakistani at 6.2%. These percentages are higher than both the London and England and Wales averages. The London region has the most people from minority ethnic groups in the country, other than people of Pakistani origin which is highest in Yorkshire and the Humber (2.9%) and the West Midlands (2.9%).

Redbridge is now the ninth most diverse borough in the country. Newham is the most diverse with 39.4% of its population stating their ethnic group as White. Since the 1991 census, the percentage of people stating their ethnic background as White decreased from 78.5% to 63.5%.  This change was the second largest in London.

The full breakdown of the population of Redbridge by ethnicity is:

Source: ONS

Country of Birth, Table KS05

The 2001 Census showed that 74% of Redbridge residents were born in England. This is higher than the London and inner London averages of 62.8% and 69.9% respectively. 24.2% of Redbridge residents were born outside the United Kingdom, which is similar to the London average and 22nd highest in the country. The neighbouring boroughs of Newham and Waltham Forest have higher percentages of people born outside the United Kingdom at 61.8% and 74.8% respectively. London has the lowest proportion of people born in the United Kingdom.  This figure is highest in inner London and the top 10 boroughs are in the south central part of London. The average of 8.0% across England and Wales is far lower.

The breakdown of the population of Redbridge by country of birth is:

*European Union as defined on Census Day (29 April 2001)

Source: ONS

Religion, Table KS07

Redbridge has a wide range of religions. In the 2001 Census, 50.7% of the population stated they were Christian. This was the tenth lowest percentage in England and Wales.

The breakdown of the population of Redbridge by religion is:

Source: ONS

Redbridge has the third highest percentage of Sikhs in London and the fourth highest in the country after Slough* (9.1%), Hounslow (8.6%) and Ealing (8.5%).

Redbridge has the fourth highest percentage of Hindus in England and Wales.

The borough has the third highest percentage of Jews in London and fourth highest in England and Wales after Barnet (14.8%), Hertsmere* (11.3%) and Harrow (6.3%).

Redbridge has the sixth highest percentage of Muslims in London and the twelfth in England and Wales. Tower Hamlets has the highest percentage (36.4%) followed by Newham (24.3%) and Blackburn with Darwen* (19.4%).

The London region has the highest percentage of non-Christian religions. Havering has the highest percentage of Christians in London, at 76%.

* indicates non-London boroughs.

National Profiles

A national commentary has been prepared by the Office for National Statistics, which provides an overview of the whole country in terms of ethnicity and religion.