Urban Population: Liberia
Liberia's urban population is currently 55.5% as of 2024. # Liberia Urban Population Liberia's urban population reached 55.
Current (2024)
55.5%
+1.0% y/y
Peak (1991)
58.0%
Low (1960)
18.6%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1960–2024 · 65 pts
Urban Population — Liberia
1960 — 2024
Urban Population — Liberia
Analysis# Liberia Urban Population
Liberia's urban population reached 55.539% in 2024, representing a dramatic transformation from just 18.592% in 1960. This 198.7% increase over six decades reflects one of Africa's most significant urbanization shifts. The country peaked at 58% urban residents in 1991, slightly above current levels, indicating that recent urbanization has stabilized near historically high levels rather than continuing its steep upward climb.
The period from 1960 to 1991 saw explosive urban growth, likely driven by migration toward Monrovia and economic opportunities. Since 1991, urbanization has plateaued, fluctuating between 50% and 58%. The consistent annual increases from 2015 through 2024—rising approximately 0.5 percentage points yearly—suggest continued but gradual urban concentration. At this steady pace, Liberia's urban population will remain above the 55% threshold for the foreseeable future.
Historical Data
65 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 55.5% | +0.98% |
| 2023 | 55.0% | +0.99% |
| 2022 | 54.5% | +1.00% |
| 2021 | 53.9% | +1.00% |
| 2020 | 53.4% | +1.01% |
| 2019 | 52.9% | +1.01% |
| 2018 | 52.3% | +1.02% |
| 2017 | 51.8% | +1.03% |
| 2016 | 51.3% | +1.04% |
| 2015 | 50.7% | +1.04% |
| 2014 | 50.2% | +1.05% |
| 2013 | 49.7% | +1.06% |
| 2012 | 49.2% | +1.07% |
| 2011 | 48.7% | +1.07% |
| 2010 | 48.1% | +1.08% |
| 2009 | 47.6% | +1.10% |
| 2008 | 47.1% | +1.07% |
| 2007 | 46.6% | +0.82% |
| 2006 | 46.2% | +0.83% |
| 2005 | 45.9% | +0.92% |
Show all 65 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 45.4% | +0.96% |
| 2003 | 45.0% | +0.97% |
| 2002 | 44.6% | +0.94% |
| 2001 | 44.2% | +0.87% |
| 2000 | 43.8% | +0.75% |
| 1999 | 43.4% | +0.59% |
| 1998 | 43.2% | +0.39% |
| 1997 | 43.0% | +0.14% |
| 1996 | 43.0% | -3.51% |
| 1995 | 44.5% | -7.73% |
| 1994 | 48.3% | -8.44% |
| 1993 | 52.7% | -6.61% |
| 1992 | 56.4% | -2.70% |
| 1991 | 58.0% | +33.84% |
| 1990 | 43.3% | +3.51% |
| 1989 | 41.9% | +1.32% |
| 1988 | 41.3% | +1.41% |
| 1987 | 40.7% | +10.91% |
| 1986 | 36.7% | -7.00% |
| 1985 | 39.5% | +1.07% |
| 1984 | 39.1% | +1.63% |
| 1983 | 38.5% | +2.01% |
| 1982 | 37.7% | +2.39% |
| 1981 | 36.8% | +2.73% |
| 1980 | 35.8% | +3.01% |
| 1979 | 34.8% | +3.23% |
| 1978 | 33.7% | +3.37% |
| 1977 | 32.6% | +3.44% |
| 1976 | 31.5% | +3.41% |
| 1975 | 30.5% | +3.25% |
| 1974 | 29.5% | +3.10% |
| 1973 | 28.6% | +3.10% |
| 1972 | 27.8% | +3.16% |
| 1971 | 26.9% | +3.21% |
| 1970 | 26.1% | +3.26% |
| 1969 | 25.3% | +3.31% |
| 1968 | 24.5% | +3.36% |
| 1967 | 23.7% | +3.40% |
| 1966 | 22.9% | +3.45% |
| 1965 | 22.1% | +3.50% |
| 1964 | 21.4% | +3.54% |
| 1963 | 20.6% | +3.58% |
| 1962 | 19.9% | +3.52% |
| 1961 | 19.2% | +3.53% |
| 1960 | 18.6% | — |
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