Costa Rica Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Costa Rica's net migration was 1,000 in 2025, ranked 154th globally. This represents a 3.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Costa Rica's net migration stood at 1,000 in 2025, a rise of +33 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 975 by 2026. Costa Rica ranked 154th globally.
Costa Rica's net migration trend has been characterized by significant fluctuations over the past 66 years, with the all-time peak of 17,393.00 in 1996 and the all-time trough of 910.00 in 1960. The country's current net migration rate of 1,000.00, ranking 154 globally, is a considerable decrease from its historical peak. A comparison with peer countries reveals that Costa Rica's net migration rate is slightly lower than that of The Bahamas, which stood at 935.00 in 2025. The country's migration dynamics have likely been influenced by economic factors, as well as its geographical location and historical policies. The decline in net migration since the 1990s may be attributed to various factors, including changes in economic policies or shifts in global migration patterns. A significant increase in foreign investment or a change in the country's economic growth rate could potentially alter the trajectory of Costa Rica's net migration trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 960 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 967 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 975 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1,000 | +33 | #154 |
| 2024 | 967 | −28 | #147 |
| 2023 | 995 | −11 | #139 |
| 2022 | 1,006 | −12 | #134 |
| 2021 | 1,018 | −11 | #143 |
| 2020 | 1,029 | −624 | #142 |
| 2019 | 1,653 | −20 | #142 |
| 2018 | 1,673 | +2 | #133 |
| 2017 | 1,671 | +22 | #138 |
| 2016 | 1,649 | +32 | #135 |
| 2015 | 1,617 | +28 | #147 |
| 2014 | 1,589 | +10 | #147 |
| 2013 | 1,579 | −8 | #144 |
| 2012 | 1,587 | −108 | #148 |
| 2011 | 1,695 | −662 | #146 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Costa Rica matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 1995. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica's net migration was 1,000 in 2025. Ranked 154th globally. This represents a 3.4% increase from the previous year.
Costa Rica's net migration peaked at 17,393 in 1996.
The lowest net migration in Costa Rica was 910 in 1960.
Costa Rica ranks 154th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Costa Rica's net migration is projected to reach 975 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Costa Rica in 2025 was 1,000. This ranks 154th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_costa-rica_net-migration,
title = {Costa Rica Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/costa-rica/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}