Topic
Population
The mid-year population estimate, the share of people living in urban areas, and the median age.
Population, mid-year estimate
63.5 million people
2026. Up from 62.8 million in 2025.
South Africa's estimated mid-year (30 June) population for 2026 is 63,522,380 according to Stats SA's Mid-Year Population Estimates, an increase of 759,980 on 2025. Annual growth is about 1.2%. Stats SA notes each release revises the whole 2002–2026 series, so figures should not be compared with earlier publications. The 2022 Census counted 62.0 million; mid-year estimates and Census counts are different measures.
Source: Statistics South Africa, Mid-year population estimates 2026. Source released . Checked on SA Data Hub . Original data: Stats SA. Any calculation shown is SA Data Hub's own processing.
Show the numbers as a table
| Period | Value |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 55.2 million |
| 2016 | 56.0 million |
| 2017 | 56.8 million |
| 2018 | 57.6 million |
| 2019 | 58.5 million |
| 2020 | 59.3 million |
| 2021 | 59.9 million |
| 2022 | 60.5 million |
| 2023 | 61.2 million |
| 2024 | 62.0 million |
| 2025 | 62.8 million |
| 2026 | 63.5 million |
Share of people living in urban areas
63.7%
Percentage of the population living in urban areas, as recorded in Census 2022. Gauteng alone accounts for over a quarter of South Africa's population. The Northern Cape remains the least densely populated province.
Source: Statistics South Africa, Census 2022 Statistical Release. Source released . Checked on SA Data Hub . Original data: Stats SA. Any calculation shown is SA Data Hub's own processing.
Median age
28 years
The median age of the South African population as measured in Census 2022. At 28 years, South Africa has a relatively young population, with significant implications for labour markets, education, and social services.
Source: Statistics South Africa, Census 2022 Statistical Release. Source released . Checked on SA Data Hub . Original data: Stats SA. Any calculation shown is SA Data Hub's own processing.
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Population: Up to date
Stats SA, Mid-Year Population Estimates. Updated annual. Last updated . Source (opens in a new tab)
- : Updated to MYPE 2026 (63,522,380, mid-2026). Urban share (63.7%) and median age (28.0) unchanged (Census 2022, no newer comparable measure). Series points 2015–2024 are derived back-casts from growth rates, ±≈0.03M; replace with Stats SA published Excel series when available.
- : Population indicators aligned with latest mid-year population estimates publication.