Jamaica Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
Jamaica's urban population was 59.37% in 2025, ranked 129th globally. This represents a 0.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Jamaica's urban population stood at 59.37% in 2025, a rise of +0.44% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 59.37% by 2025. Jamaica ranked 129th globally.
Jamaica’s urban population share has risen steadily over the 66‑year span from 29.75 percent in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 59.37 percent in 2025, placing the island nation at rank 129 globally. The near‑linear increase reflects sustained rural‑to‑urban migration driven by expanding services, tourism and manufacturing, while the relative stability of the total population has amplified the urban share. Jamaica’s 2025 figure of 59.37 percent is virtually identical to Indonesia’s 59.36 percent and only marginally below Fiji’s 59.55 percent, underscoring a convergence among middle‑income economies with comparable demographic structures. The trajectory suggests continued urbanization as infrastructure projects and digital economy initiatives attract labor to cities, although a slowdown could emerge if rural development policies or remote‑work trends gain traction, potentially moderating the upward path.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 60.28% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 59.82% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 59.37% | - | - |
| 2025 | 59.37% | +0.44% | #129 |
| 2024 | 58.93% | +0.48% | #88 |
| 2023 | 58.45% | +0.46% | #87 |
| 2022 | 57.99% | +0.45% | #87 |
| 2021 | 57.54% | +0.43% | #87 |
| 2020 | 57.11% | +0.41% | #87 |
| 2019 | 56.70% | +0.40% | #89 |
| 2018 | 56.30% | +0.38% | #90 |
| 2017 | 55.92% | +0.37% | #90 |
| 2016 | 55.55% | +0.35% | #89 |
| 2015 | 55.20% | +0.33% | #91 |
| 2014 | 54.87% | +0.32% | #91 |
| 2013 | 54.55% | +0.30% | #93 |
| 2012 | 54.25% | +0.29% | #92 |
| 2011 | 53.96% | +0.20% | #91 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Jamaica matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Jamaica's urban population was 59.37% in 2025. Ranked 129th globally. This represents a 0.7% increase from the previous year.
Jamaica's urban population peaked at 59.37% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in Jamaica was 29.75% in 1960.
Jamaica ranks 129th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Jamaica's urban population is projected to reach 59.37% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of Jamaica in 2025 was 59.37%. This ranks 129th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_jamaica_urban-population,
title = {Jamaica Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/jamaica/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}