South Africa: Rural population, percent

* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
 South Africa

Rural population, percent of total population

 Latest value 31.18
 Year 2023
 Measure percent
 Data availability 1960 - 2023
 Average 45.29
 Min - Max 31.18 - 53.38
 Source The World Bank
The latest value from 2023 is 31.18 percent, a decline from 31.67 percent in 2022. In comparison, the world average is 38.64 percent, based on data from 196 countries. Historically, the average for South Africa from 1960 to 2023 is 45.29 percent. The minimum value, 31.18 percent, was reached in 2023 while the maximum of 53.38 percent was recorded in 1960. 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 - Rural population, percent - Recent values chart

Historical series
South Africa - Rural population, percent - historical chart - 1960-2023




Definition: Rural population refers to people living in rural areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated as the difference between total population and urban population.

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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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