The Demographics of Thamesmead’s Population

Thamesmead was designed and built in the 1960s as a solution to London’s post-war housing crisis. With its unique architecture, vast green spaces, and scenic waterfront, Thamesmead is an increasingly popular choice for individuals and families looking to move to London. This blog post will examine Thamesmead’s population, including its size, age, employment rate, education level, volume of renters versus homeowners, and crime rate, to help you make an informed decision when investing in a buy-to-let property in the area.

Population size and growth

The population of Thamesmead stands at approximately 50,000 people. This number has been increasing steadily in recent years, with a growth rate of around 2% per year. While Thamesmead’s population is relatively small compared to other London boroughs, the district’s population is expected to continue growing in the coming years. This is due to a combination of factors, including new residential developments, an expanding local economy, and an increase in the number of young professionals moving to the area.

Age of the population

The median age of Thamesmead’s population is 31 years old, which is younger than the national average of 40 years old. This is due to the area’s growing popularity among young professionals and families. Thamesmead also has a higher proportion of children and teenagers compared to the national average. This is likely due to the district’s numerous green spaces and recreational facilities, which make it an attractive location for families.

Employment rate

The employment rate in Thamesmead is 73%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 75%. The area has a mix of both blue-collar and white-collar jobs, with the most common industries being retail, healthcare, and education. However, there is a growing number of professional and technical jobs in the area, particularly in the creative industries. Thamesmead’s relatively low unemployment rate, combined with its affordable housing, makes it an attractive location for young professionals and families.

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Education level

Thamesmead has a high proportion of residents with no formal qualifications, with around 20% of the population falling into this category. However, the area also has a significant number of residents with higher education qualifications, with around 40% of the population holding a degree or equivalent. There are also several schools and educational institutions in Thamesmead, including the University of Greenwich, which has a campus in the district. Additionally, there are several schools that have been rated “outstanding” by Ofsted, making Thamesmead an attractive location for families with school-aged children.

Volume of renters versus homeowners

Thamesmead has a relatively high proportion of renters, with around 60% of the population living in rented accommodation. This is higher than the national average of 49%. The area has a range of housing options available, from social housing to privately rented apartments and houses. This makes Thamesmead an attractive location for buy-to-let investors looking to invest in a property with high rental yield potential.

Crime rate

The crime rate in Thamesmead is higher than the national average, with a total of 4,676 reported crimes in 2020. This equates to a crime rate of 93.7 crimes per 1,000 people, compared to the national average of 35 crimes per 1,000 people. However, it is worth noting that the overall crime rate in Thamesmead has been decreasing in recent years due to the area having a strong police presence.

In conclusion, Thamesmead is a district with a growing population, particularly among young professionals and families attracted by its green spaces and recreational facilities, affordable housing, and expanding local economy. While the area has a slightly lower employment rate than the national average, it offers a mix of blue-collar and white-collar jobs, with a growing number of professional and technical positions.

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