South Africa: Percent urban population

* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
 South Africa

Percent urban population

 Latest value 68.82
 Year 2023
 Measure percent
 Data availability 1960 - 2023
 Average 54.71
 Min - Max 46.62 - 68.82
 Source United Nations Population Division
The latest value from 2023 is 68.82 percent, an increase from 68.33 percent in 2022. In comparison, the world average is 61.36 percent, based on data from 196 countries. Historically, the average for South Africa from 1960 to 2023 is 54.71 percent. The minimum value, 46.62 percent, was reached in 1960 while the maximum of 68.82 percent was recorded in 2023. See the global rankings for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.
Select indicator
* indicates monthly or quarterly data series


Recent data
South Africa - Percent urban population - Recent values chart

Historical series
South Africa - Percent urban population - historical chart - 1960-2023




The data show the percent of the total population that lives in urban areas for South Africa and other countries.
Definition: Urban population refers to people living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices. The data are collected and smoothed by United Nations Population Division.

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 Related indicators Latest Reference Measure
 Population size 60.41 2023 million
 Percent urban population 68.82 2023 percent
 Population density 49 2021 people per square km
 Population ages 65 and above 6.52 2023 percent
 Percent children 26.08 2023 percent
 Percent female population 51.35 2023 percent
 Rural population, percent 31.18 2023 percent
 Age dependency ratio 51.86 2023 percent
 Refugee population 67,145 2023 refugees
 Migrant population 6 2015 percent
 Population growth 0.87 2023 percent
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