Census 2022
Results from the South Africa Census 2022 conducted by Stats SA.
3 datasets · Last updated 10 October 2023
Dataset update log
Census 2022
Decennial (next census ~2032)
Last updated: 10 October 2023
Source: Stats SA
Release: Census 2022 Statistical Release
Level: national
Recent history
Total Households
33.7%17.3M
since Census 2011
Total private households counted in Census 2022. Average household size has declined from 3.4 persons in 2011 to 3.0 in 2022, reflecting changing family structures and increasing urbanisation.
Total Households has increased by 6.4households from 2001 to 2022 — a positive development.
Households with Internet Access
33.0pp64.0%
since Census 2011
Percentage of households with internet access (including mobile data) per Census 2022. In 2011 only 31% had access. The rapid expansion of mobile internet (4G/LTE) is the primary driver.
Households with Internet Access has increased by 33.0pp from 2011 to 2022 — a positive development.
Individuals with No Income
5.1pp30.4%
since Census 2011
Percentage of individuals 15 years and older who reported no income in Census 2022. This includes the unemployed, students, and those who are economically inactive. The decline reflects expanding social grants and labour market changes.
Percentage of individuals 15 years and older who reported no income in Census 2022.
Understanding the data
Total Households rose by 2.8 households from 2011 (14.5) to 2022 (17.3) — a positive development.
The available data covers 3 periods. With a limited series, long-run trend analysis is indicative only. The current reading of 17.3M compares to 10.9 in 2001.
Census data underpins all government planning and resource allocation. The 2022 Census is the definitive source for population, household composition, and service access data. Total Households at 17.3M reflects the outcome of the most comprehensive survey of South African society.
The 2022 Census was South Africa's first since 2011 — an 11-year gap compared to the usual 5–10 years. Stats SA acknowledged undercounting of approximately 1–2 million people. Census data forms the baseline for all population-derived statistics and government planning. This figure is drawn from the Census 2022 Statistical Release, published by Statistics South Africa.
Trend visualisations
Total Households
Unit: million
Total Households has increased by 6.4households from 2001 to 2022 — a positive development.
- 2001: 10.9
- 2022: 17.3
- Change: +6.4households over 3 periods
- Recent trend: broadly stable
Households with Internet Access
Unit: %
Households with Internet Access has increased by 33.0pp from 2011 to 2022 — a positive development.
- 2011: 31%
- 2022: 64%
- Change: +33.0pp over 3 periods
- Recent trend: broadly stable
Data sources
Data Source
Statistics South Africa
Census 2022 Statistical Release
Published 10 October 2023