Costa Rica Population Density
People per sq. km of land area EN.POP.DNST
Costa Rica's population density was 101.1 in 2025, ranked 105th globally. This represents a 1.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Costa Rica's population density stood at 101.1 in 2025, a rise of +1.1 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 101.1 by 2025. Costa Rica ranked 105th globally.
Costa Rica’s population density has risen sharply over the 64‑year span from 26.99 persons per square kilometre in 1961 to 101.06 in 2025, placing the nation at rank 105 globally. The all‑time peak coincides with the most recent year, reflecting a more than three‑fold increase since the early 1960s. This acceleration mirrors broader regional urbanisation trends and is comparable to the density of Cambodia, which records 101.44 persons per square kilometre, and slightly exceeds Kenya’s 98.58. The trough in 1961 underscores how demographic concentration was once modest, a condition that shifted as fertility rates moderated, life expectancy rose, and economic development spurred internal migration toward urban centres such as San José. Continued population growth coupled with limited land expansion suggests that density will likely keep climbing, unless policies fostering balanced regional development or significant emigration alter the current trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Density | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 101.6 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 101.1 | - | - |
| 2025 | 101.1 | +1.1 | #105 |
| 2023 | 100.0 | +0.5 | #112 |
| 2022 | 99.5 | +0.4 | #111 |
| 2021 | 99.1 | +0.5 | #111 |
| 2020 | 98.6 | +0.7 | #112 |
| 2019 | 97.9 | +0.8 | #112 |
| 2018 | 97.1 | +0.9 | #112 |
| 2017 | 96.2 | +0.9 | #111 |
| 2016 | 95.3 | +1.0 | #110 |
| 2015 | 94.4 | +1.0 | #110 |
| 2014 | 93.4 | +1.0 | #109 |
| 2013 | 92.4 | +1.0 | #110 |
| 2012 | 91.3 | +1.1 | #111 |
| 2011 | 90.3 | +1.1 | #110 |
| 2010 | 89.2 | +1.1 | #110 |
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 population density improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica's population density was 101.1 in 2025. Ranked 105th globally. This represents a 1.1% increase from the previous year.
Costa Rica's population density peaked at 101.1 in 2025.
The lowest population density in Costa Rica was 27.0 in 1961.
Costa Rica ranks 105th globally in population density as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is EN.POP.DNST. Data sourced from World Bank.
Costa Rica's population density is projected to reach 101.1 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population density of Costa Rica in 2025 was 101.1. This ranks 105th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_costa-rica_population-density,
title = {Costa Rica Population Density},
url = {https://historysaid.com/costa-rica/population-density/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}