London Borough of Harrow general inequalities statistics, as well as insights directly from the community.
Everyone deserves the same chance to live a healthy life, but that’s not always the reality.
Some people receive better care or support than others, simply because of where they live, their income, race, or whether they have a disability. These differences are unjust and preventable.
We want to see more local programmes tackling these inequalities. That work starts with good data and real community insight.
On this page, you can explore how Harrow compares to national averages across key health areas such as dementia, respiratory conditions, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. You’ll also hear directly from our community champions, local voices who share lived experiences and highlight the challenges that matter most.
This is not a full list of every health or social issue in Harrow. Instead, it’s a snapshot of priority areas where community-led action and targeted support can make a difference.
Need support in using stats, creating a project and finding funding to address an inequality?
Contact Voluntary Action Harrow.
Community Insight
This is a collection of insights we have received from groups, champions, and stakeholders. It is important to emphasise that these insights are anecdotal in nature, reflecting individual experiences and perspectives rather than comprehensive data. Nevertheless, they provide meaningful context and contribute to a deeper understanding of the Borough’s issues.
[Last Updated: June 2025]
Residents in the North East of Harrow have reported limited public transport options, particularly in areas like Edgware and Stanmore. They have also suggested a lack of activities in the area, with some having to travel over an hour to get to places in central Harrow.
Data, reports, and conversations suggest that a significant number of people feel isolated, lonely, and disconnected. Our residents would like to make more friends and develop relationships (particularly those with disablities). Residents have stated that they would like to see more befriending services within the borough.
Harrow has a very limited number of activities and support services aimed at helping people overcome digital exclusion, which further hinders their ability to access essential information, services, and opportunities in today’s increasingly digital world.
Maternal, Infant Health & Early Years
3.3 average number of deaths per 1,000 live births in Harrow (Trust For London)
Between 2020 and 2022, Black women in the UK were nearly three times more likely to die during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth compared to White women. Asian women faced almost twice the risk. (MBRRACE-UK: Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK )
The percentage of five-year-olds in Harrow with tooth decay decreased from 42.4% in 2019 to 27.6% in 2025, following the implementation of a supervised toothbrushing program involving over 2,500 children. (Harrow Online)
Chronic Conditions & Lifestyle
As of 2021, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in Harrow was 10.0%, with estimates suggesting a total prevalence of 10.5%. (Harrow Council: Harrow Diabetes Report)
According to the Active Lives survey 2017/18, approximately 52.9% of Harrow adults were classified as overweight or obese. (Harrow Council: Harrow Obesity Plan 2020-24)
Severe Mental Illness
Harrow’s Severe Mental Illness prevalence (schizophrenia, bipolar, psychoses) is 1.04%, higher than the England average of 0.94% (Harrow Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2020-2025)
Hypertension
In 2020/21, 13.2% of the population in NHS Harrow CCG (around 37,082 people) were diagnosed with hypertension, according to the London Borough of Harrow. This is slightly lower than the England average of 13.9% but represents the highest prevalence among the North West London CCGs, which average 10.8% (Harrow JSNA Online Long Term Conditions - Data Update 2022)
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Cardiovascular disease which includes coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, heart failure, and vascular dementia—is the leading cause of death in Harrow, responsible for about 25% of all deaths.
Cancer
As of 31 March 2023, only 59.1 % of eligible individuals aged 25–64 in Harrow were adequately screened for cervical cancer - well below the NHS target of 80 %. (June 2020 - GLA Local London Assembly Member, Navin Shah AM)
Smoking
As of 2023, smoking prevalence in Harrow was estimated at 16.1%, a significant increase from previous years where it was below 8%. (Harrow Council: Tobacco Control Health Needs Assessment)
Health Literacy
In the UK, 43% of adults struggle to understand written health information, underscoring the importance of accessible communication in healthcare. (Health Education England)
Harrow residents have a below-average health literacy level compared to other areas in England. (University of Southampton)
Demographics, Geography & Diversity
As of 2021, 63.8% of Harrow's population identified as Black and Minority Ethnic (BME), with Indian communities being the largest group. (Office of National Statistics (ONS))
In January 2023, 92% of Harrow's school population belonged to an ethnic group other than White British. (Harrow Council: Demographic information and school roll projections)
Dementia
As of 2024, Harrow's dementia diagnosis rate for individuals aged 65 and over is approximately 69%, aligning with the national average and meeting the NHS target of 66.7%. (Harrow Council: Dementia Health Needs Assessment)
Crime & Safety
In the year ending September 2023, Harrow recorded 6,343 incidents per 100,000 population, maintaining its status as one of the safest boroughs in London. (Varbes)
Violence against the person accounted for 28% of all recorded crimes up to September 2023, increasing to 44% for offences involving individuals under 25. (Serious Violence Strategic Needs Assessment Executive Summary)
