According to the 2021 Census, the White British population is the largest single ethnic group in Tottenham, representing about one‑fifth of residents.
What the census shows
The Office for National Statistics breaks down Tottenham’s population by the broader Haringey borough. The figures for the N17 and N15 postcodes are:
- White British: around 20% of the total.
- Black African: roughly 17%.
- Other White (including Polish, Romanian, Bulgarian, etc.): about 15%.
- Black Caribbean: close to 10%.
- Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi): 7‑9%.
These categories together show a highly mixed community where no single group exceeds 50%.
Why "biggest" matters less here
Tottenham’s diversity means the term "biggest" is relative. While White British remains the top individual category, the combined Black population (African and Caribbean) and the Other White group are close in size. Many neighbourhoods, such as Northumberland Park or Tottenham Hale, have even lower White British percentages, highlighting the local variation.
Trends over the last decade
Between 2011 and 2021 the White British share fell by about ten percentage points, while the Black African and Other White groups grew modestly. Younger families from Africa, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean are replacing an ageing White British cohort, which is reflected in school language data showing dozens of languages spoken by pupils.
Implications for the community
Service providers and local planners now consider a plurality model: schools, health services and businesses cater to a range of cultural needs rather than a single majority. The mixed‑heritage population is also rising, indicating increasing inter‑ethnic families and further blurring traditional categories.
How Tottenham compares to London
London as a whole is about 37% White British, whereas Tottenham’s figure is roughly 20%, making it one of the most ethnically diverse districts in the capital. The area sits between boroughs with strong Caribbean (e.g., Hackney) and South Asian (e.g., Brent) identities, creating a unique three‑way balance.