Italy Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
Italy's urban population was 69.59% in 2025, ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Italy's urban population stood at 69.59% in 2025, a decline of +0.01% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 69.59% by 2025. Italy ranked 92nd globally.
Italy’s urban population share has risen steadily over the 66‑year series, climbing from a trough of 59.29 % in 1960 to a peak of 69.61 % in 2015, and reaching 69.59 % in 2025, positioning the country 92nd globally. The gradual increase reflects post‑war industrialisation, the expansion of service‑sector jobs in cities such as Milan and Rome, and persistent internal migration from rural southern regions. Italy’s current level is closely aligned with peers such as Austria (69.69 %) and Ukraine (69.55 %), underscoring a convergence among advanced and transitional economies toward similar urbanisation thresholds. The modest decline from the 2015 peak suggests a stabilising urban share, likely driven by demographic ageing, low natural population growth and the diffusion of teleworking that moderates the pull of metropolitan areas. Continued policies promoting regional development and digital infrastructure could sustain the modest upward trajectory, while a reversal would require a significant shift in migration patterns or a resurgence of rural economic opportunities.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 69.64% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 69.62% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 69.59% | - | - |
| 2025 | 69.59% | −0.01% | #92 |
| 2024 | 69.60% | +0.07% | #126 |
| 2023 | 69.54% | +0.05% | #127 |
| 2022 | 69.48% | +0.00% | #128 |
| 2021 | 69.48% | −0.04% | #130 |
| 2020 | 69.52% | +0.01% | #130 |
| 2019 | 69.51% | +0.02% | #130 |
| 2018 | 69.48% | −0.04% | #132 |
| 2017 | 69.52% | −0.08% | #133 |
| 2016 | 69.60% | −0.01% | #134 |
| 2015 | 69.61% | +0.03% | #134 |
| 2014 | 69.58% | +0.27% | #137 |
| 2013 | 69.31% | +0.55% | #137 |
| 2012 | 68.76% | +0.36% | #137 |
| 2011 | 68.40% | +0.19% | #137 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Italy matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1986. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Italy's urban population was 69.59% in 2025. Ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from the previous year.
Italy's urban population peaked at 69.61% in 2015.
The lowest urban population in Italy was 59.29% in 1960.
Italy ranks 92nd globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Italy's urban population is projected to reach 69.59% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of Italy in 2025 was 69.59%. This ranks 92nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_italy_urban-population,
title = {Italy Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/italy/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}