Ireland Population Growth
Annual population growth rate SP.POP.GROW
Ireland's population growth was 1.95% in 2025, ranked 57th globally. This represents a 23.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Ireland's population growth stood at 1.95% in 2025, a rise of +0.37pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.95% by 2025. Ireland ranked 57th globally.
Ireland’s population growth has accelerated markedly since the early 1960s, when the annual change was a modest –0.15%, to a World Bank‑reported 1.95% in 2025, ranking the country 57th globally. The sharpest expansion occurred in 2007, when growth peaked at 2.89%, reflecting a period of strong economic expansion and high net migration. By contrast, the all‑time trough of –0.43% in 1988 coincided with a deep recession and emigration wave, underscoring the sensitivity of demographic trends to macro‑economic conditions. Over the 65‑year span, Ireland’s growth trajectory has outpaced peers such as the Cayman Islands (1.96% in 2025) and Belize (1.92%), suggesting a relatively robust demographic momentum driven by a youthful labour force and continued attraction of foreign investment. If housing supply and public services keep pace with demand, the upward trend is likely to persist; however, a slowdown in global mobility or a prolonged economic downturn could reverse the current trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Growth | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 2.17% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 2.06% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.95% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.95% | +0.37pp | #57 |
| 2024 | 1.57% | −0.30pp | #149 |
| 2023 | 1.88% | −0.11pp | #155 |
| 2022 | 1.98% | +0.59pp | #164 |
| 2021 | 1.40% | +0.13pp | #140 |
| 2020 | 1.26% | −0.32pp | #127 |
| 2019 | 1.59% | +0.14pp | #139 |
| 2018 | 1.45% | +0.10pp | #127 |
| 2017 | 1.35% | +0.07pp | #120 |
| 2016 | 1.28% | +0.34pp | #117 |
| 2015 | 0.94% | +0.21pp | #93 |
| 2014 | 0.73% | +0.20pp | #81 |
| 2013 | 0.53% | +0.10pp | #70 |
| 2012 | 0.42% | −0.01pp | #60 |
| 2011 | 0.44% | −0.11pp | #64 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ireland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw population growth improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Ireland's population growth was 1.95% in 2025. Ranked 57th globally. This represents a 23.8% increase from the previous year.
Ireland's population growth peaked at 2.89% in 2007.
The lowest population growth in Ireland was -0.43% in 1988.
Ireland ranks 57th globally in population growth as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.GROW. Data sourced from World Bank.
Ireland's population growth is projected to reach 1.95% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population growth of Ireland in 2025 was 1.95%. This ranks 57th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ireland_population-growth,
title = {Ireland Population Growth},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ireland/population-growth/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}