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Statistics and census information

This guide presents census statistics and mapping providing insights into Luton’s population, local economy, and key characteristics highlighted by census data.

In this section:

Key facts about Luton

'This is Luton' is an up‑to‑date statistical overview of the town, its wards and neighbourhoods, using official data sources such as those from the Office for National Statistics. Updated in December 2024, it brings together key information on population, demography, the economy and levels of deprivation to help build a clear picture of the area.

Luton is a diverse and densely populated town in Bedfordshire, around 30 miles north of London, with an estimated population of 231,000 (ONS 2023). The town has a younger than average population, although the number of older residents is expected to grow the fastest over the next decade. More than 150 languages and dialects are spoken locally, and the town experiences higher than average levels of unemployment, deprivation and child poverty.

How the information is used

'This is Luton', alongside the health and social care overview, helps provide a detailed understanding of the people who live in the town and the challenges they face. The below document supports planning, decision‑making and service development by offering clear insight into local needs and community characteristics.

JSNA - This is Luton (PDF, 1.14MB)

 

This is Luton

Luton is a diverse, well‑connected and fast‑growing town with a young population, a mixed economy, varied housing needs and strong educational assets, including its own university. These results are as of June 2023.

Population

People, their households and their backgrounds.

  • 225,300 total population
  • 55% of the population are from ethnic minority communities
  • 150 languages and dialects spoken
  • Younger than average population
  • 52 people per hectare (higher than some London boroughs)
  • Life expectancy:
    • 78.1 for males (national average 79.6)
    • 82.4 for females (national average 83.3)

Economy and employment

Information about people’s work and employment.

  • £33,920 average salary for Luton jobs
  • 8.5% unemployment rate (4.8% nationally)
  • £29,258 average annual full‑time salary for Luton residents (UK average £31,285)
  • 11,000 direct jobs at London Luton Airport, with more through supply chains

Education

People in education and the qualifications they achieve.

  • 31% of working‑age residents hold a degree or equivalent (40% nationally)
  • 1 in 10 working‑age adults have no formal qualifications
  • 95.4% of young people are in education, employment or training (93.9% nationally)
  • 6% attainment gap between Luton pupils and the rest of England at key stage 2
  • 87.5% of children attend Ofsted‑rated good or outstanding primary schools
  • 67% of 16 to 64‑year‑olds are educated to level 2 or above (78% nationally)

Housing - occupancy

Luton’s housing includes a mix of owner‑occupied, social rented and privately rented homes.

  • 60.2% owned
  • 15.8% social rented
  • 22.6% private rented

Costs and need

Housing costs in Luton are rising and remain higher than national averages, alongside a greater level of housing need.

  • £263,970 average house price (10% increase in the last year)
  • £1,050 average rent for a 3‑bed house in Luton (£800 nationally)
  • 14.6 people assessed as homeless per thousand population (6.3 nationally)

Location

Luton’s close proximity to major roads and fast rail links makes it a quick and convenient place to travel to and from London.

  • 10 miles from the M25 and located by the M1
  • 22 minutes from London by rail

Parks

Luton features a number of attractive green spaces, including six parks awarded Green Flag status.

Higher education

Luton benefits from having its own university, adding to the town’s educational and cultural strengths.