London’s Immigrant Communities Reflect Growing Racial and Religious Diversity
New data from the 2021 Census, analysed by the LMLIP’s Fact Sharing Work Group, highlights the increasing racial and religious diversity among immigrants in the City of London.
Of the 103,295 immigrants living in London, 66,305 identify as racialised, a clear majority. This growth has been robust in recent decades. South Asian and Arab populations have shown the most notable increases, with the number of South Asian immigrants rising from 3,115 in 2001–2010 to 8,400 in the most recent period, 2011–2021. Arab immigration followed a similar trend, reaching 7,930 in that same period.
Non-permanent residents also reflect this demographic shift: over 90% (17,635 out of 19,220) identify as racialised, with the largest groups being South Asian, Chinese, and Latin American.
Source: Statistics Canada. Community Data Program, Table EO3775 – Ontario 3 – 2021 Target Group Profile
cross-tabulated with Immigration Status by Period of Immigration and Citizenship.
In 2021 Census analytical and communications products, Statistics Canada has used the terms "racialized population" or
"racialized groups" replacing the term "visible minority, to reflect the increased use of these terms in the public sphere.
Religious affiliation data shows a similar change over time. While Christianity remains the largest religious group among immigrants, 51,750 people across all periods, its share has declined. In 1980 and earlier, 73% of immigrants identified as Christian. In the most recent decade, that number has decreased to 38%.
Meanwhile, the number of immigrants identifying as Muslim has grown significantly, from 785 in 1980 and earlier to 10,710 in 2011–2021. The Hindu population also grew to 2,545 in the same period, and the number of immigrants reporting no religious affiliation or secular views rose to 4,915.
Among non-permanent residents, the top three religious groups are Christians, those with no religion or secular views, and Hindus.
Source: Statistics Canada. Community Data Program, Table EO3775 – Ontario 3 – 2021 Target Group Profile
cross-tabulated with Immigration Status by Period of Immigration and Citizenship.
This data provides valuable insight into the evolving makeup of London’s immigrant population, and can support organisations and community members looking better to understand the city’s diverse cultural and faith landscape.
For more information, explore the full Matter of Facts series by the LMLIP Fact Sharing Work Group.