This is Luton

'This is Luton' is a document showing a statistical summary of Luton and its wards and neighbourhoods, using official data sources such as those provided by The Office of National Statistics.

This page and document was first published in January 2022. The next issue will be published in late 2022 and will incorporate all new data available from Census 2021.

It covers key aspects about the town such as:

• population
• demography
• economy
• deprivation

Luton is a diverse, densely populated town in Bedfordshire, located approximately 30 miles north of London. It has a population estimated to be in the region of 213,500 (mid-2020).

Luton has a younger than average population, with the older population expected to see the fastest growth over the next decade.

Luton has a diverse range of over 150 languages and dialects spoken in the town.

There are above average levels of unemployment and deprivation, with high levels of child poverty.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the success of Luton Airport, the local economy had experienced strong economic growth and increasing earnings. Now, however, there are issues with:

• the growth of unstable, poorly paid work
• rising costs of living

Combined, this is leading to a growth of in work poverty.

The pandemic has had a severe impact on Luton, partly due to the importance of the airport, and unemployment rose well above the national rate.

The more deprived areas of the town have experienced the worst economic impact of the pandemic, and Luton faces many challenges as it recovers from the crisis.

The document, in tandem with the health and social care overview, provides an in-depth understanding of the people that live in Luton, and their needs.