Canada Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
Canada's urban population was 82.89% in 2025, ranked 50th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Canada's urban population stood at 82.89% in 2025, a rise of +0.19% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 82.89% by 2025. Canada ranked 50th globally.
Canada’s share of the population living in urban areas has risen steadily over the 66‑year series, moving from a low of 69.04 % in 1960 to an all‑time high of 82.89 % in 2025, where it ranks 50th worldwide. The increase reflects long‑term structural shifts such as migration from rural regions, the expansion of metropolitan housing, and the concentration of services in major centres like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. By 2025 the urban share matches the United Kingdom’s 83.33 % and exceeds Germany’s 82.17 %, placing Canada among the most urbanised advanced economies, though it remains slightly below Norway’s 83.42 %. The upward trajectory is consistent with global urbanisation patterns, yet the pace may moderate as the country approaches the practical limits of spatial density and as policies promote balanced regional development. Future changes in housing affordability, infrastructure investment and climate‑adaptation strategies will likely shape whether Canada’s urban proportion continues to climb or stabilises near its current peak.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 83.26% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 83.08% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 82.89% | - | - |
| 2025 | 82.89% | +0.19% | #50 |
| 2024 | 82.70% | +0.18% | #167 |
| 2023 | 82.53% | +0.17% | #167 |
| 2022 | 82.35% | +0.17% | #167 |
| 2021 | 82.18% | +0.23% | #166 |
| 2020 | 81.95% | +0.21% | #166 |
| 2019 | 81.74% | +0.19% | #166 |
| 2018 | 81.55% | +0.15% | #166 |
| 2017 | 81.40% | +0.10% | #165 |
| 2016 | 81.30% | +0.06% | #165 |
| 2015 | 81.25% | +0.04% | #167 |
| 2014 | 81.21% | +0.03% | #167 |
| 2013 | 81.18% | +0.03% | #168 |
| 2012 | 81.15% | +0.05% | #168 |
| 2011 | 81.10% | +0.09% | #168 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Canada matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada's urban population was 82.89% in 2025. Ranked 50th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
Canada's urban population peaked at 82.89% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in Canada was 69.04% in 1960.
Canada ranks 50th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Canada's urban population is projected to reach 82.89% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of Canada in 2025 was 82.89%. This ranks 50th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_canada_urban-population,
title = {Canada Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/canada/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}