Urban Population: South Africa
South Africa's urban population is currently 63.7% as of 2024. # South Africa Urban Population South Africa's urban population reached 63.
Current (2024)
63.7%
+0.2% y/y
Peak (2024)
63.7%
Low (1960)
46.7%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1960–2024 · 65 pts
Urban Population — South Africa
1960 — 2024
Urban Population — South Africa
Analysis# South Africa Urban Population
South Africa's urban population reached 63.692% in 2024, marking its all-time peak since records began in 1960. The country has undergone dramatic urbanization over the past 64 years, with urban residents comprising just 46.693% of the total population in 1960—a net increase of 36.4 percentage points. This sustained growth reflects decades of migration from rural to urban areas, driven by economic opportunity and industrialization.
The acceleration has been gradual but consistent. Between 2015 and 2024, the urban share increased from 63.21% to 63.692%, a steady upward trajectory averaging roughly 0.055 percentage points annually over this period. With urbanization continuing at this measured pace, South Africa is expected to sustain or slightly exceed current levels in coming years, cementing its status as a predominantly urban nation.
Historical Data
65 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 63.7% | +0.17% |
| 2023 | 63.6% | +0.17% |
| 2022 | 63.5% | +0.04% |
| 2021 | 63.5% | +0.02% |
| 2020 | 63.4% | +0.04% |
| 2019 | 63.4% | +0.06% |
| 2018 | 63.4% | +0.07% |
| 2017 | 63.3% | +0.09% |
| 2016 | 63.3% | +0.10% |
| 2015 | 63.2% | +0.12% |
| 2014 | 63.1% | +0.13% |
| 2013 | 63.1% | +0.14% |
| 2012 | 63.0% | +0.18% |
| 2011 | 62.9% | +0.35% |
| 2010 | 62.6% | +0.60% |
| 2009 | 62.3% | +0.79% |
| 2008 | 61.8% | +0.96% |
| 2007 | 61.2% | +1.08% |
| 2006 | 60.5% | +1.18% |
| 2005 | 59.8% | +1.23% |
Show all 65 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 59.1% | +1.24% |
| 2003 | 58.4% | +1.21% |
| 2002 | 57.7% | +1.18% |
| 2001 | 57.0% | +1.32% |
| 2000 | 56.3% | +1.48% |
| 1999 | 55.4% | +1.44% |
| 1998 | 54.7% | +1.21% |
| 1997 | 54.0% | +0.80% |
| 1996 | 53.6% | +0.52% |
| 1995 | 53.3% | +0.40% |
| 1994 | 53.1% | +0.36% |
| 1993 | 52.9% | +0.40% |
| 1992 | 52.7% | +0.54% |
| 1991 | 52.4% | +0.83% |
| 1990 | 52.0% | +1.13% |
| 1989 | 51.4% | +1.28% |
| 1988 | 50.7% | +1.27% |
| 1987 | 50.1% | +1.09% |
| 1986 | 49.6% | +0.73% |
| 1985 | 49.2% | +0.46% |
| 1984 | 49.0% | +0.39% |
| 1983 | 48.8% | +0.32% |
| 1982 | 48.6% | +0.26% |
| 1981 | 48.5% | +0.22% |
| 1980 | 48.4% | +0.18% |
| 1979 | 48.3% | +0.15% |
| 1978 | 48.2% | +0.13% |
| 1977 | 48.2% | +0.12% |
| 1976 | 48.1% | +0.11% |
| 1975 | 48.1% | +0.10% |
| 1974 | 48.0% | +0.11% |
| 1973 | 48.0% | +0.11% |
| 1972 | 47.9% | +0.13% |
| 1971 | 47.8% | +0.15% |
| 1970 | 47.8% | +0.16% |
| 1969 | 47.7% | +0.17% |
| 1968 | 47.6% | +0.17% |
| 1967 | 47.5% | +0.18% |
| 1966 | 47.5% | +0.20% |
| 1965 | 47.4% | +0.22% |
| 1964 | 47.3% | +0.25% |
| 1963 | 47.1% | +0.28% |
| 1962 | 47.0% | +0.31% |
| 1961 | 46.9% | +0.36% |
| 1960 | 46.7% | — |
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