Population
Demographics, age distribution, migration and household composition.
3 datasets · Last updated 30 July 2024
Dataset update log
Population
Annual
Last updated: 30 July 2024
Source: Stats SA
Release: Mid-Year Population Estimates
Level: national
Recent history
Total Population
1.3%64.0M
from 2023
South Africa's estimated total population for mid-2024, based on Stats SA's mid-year population estimates. The 2022 Census counted 62.0 million. Annual population growth is estimated at approximately 1.4%.
Total Population has increased by 7.3people from 2015 to 2024 — a positive development.
Urban Population Share
0.1pp63.7%
from 2023
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.
Percentage of the population living in urban areas, as recorded in Census 2022.
Median Age
1.5%28.0
from Census 2011
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.
The median age of the South African population as measured in Census 2022.
Understanding the data
Total Population rose by 0.8 people from 2023 (63.2) to 2024 (64) — a positive development.
Over the 10-period dataset from 2015 to 2024, Total Population has increased by 7.3people — a net improvement. The highest recorded value was 64 (2024) and the lowest was 56.7 (2015).
South Africa's population of 64.0M determines planning requirements for housing, healthcare, education, and social grants. Population growth and urbanisation patterns directly inform infrastructure investment priorities at national and provincial level.
Population figures derive primarily from the 2022 National Census, the first since 2011. Mid-year estimates are produced annually by Stats SA using demographic modelling. The 2022 census recorded significant undercounting challenges and results should be treated as estimates with margin of error. This figure is drawn from the Mid-Year Population Estimates 2024, published by Statistics South Africa.
Trend visualisations
Total Population
Unit: million
Total Population has increased by 7.3people from 2015 to 2024 — a positive development.
- 2015: 56.7
- 2024: 64
- Change: +7.3people over 10 periods
- Recent momentum: accelerating upward
Data sources
Data Source
Statistics South Africa
Census 2022 Statistical Release
Published 10 October 2023