Latvia Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
Latvia's urban population was 68.55% in 2025, ranked 96th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Latvia's urban population stood at 68.55% in 2025, a rise of +0.07% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 68.55% by 2025. Latvia ranked 96th globally.
Latvia’s urban population share has risen steadily from the all‑time trough of 57.08 percent in 1960 to a peak of 70.81 percent in 1988, before settling at 68.55 percent in 2025, ranking 96th globally. The post‑Soviet transition accelerated urbanisation, yet the share remains slightly below that of Lithuania (69.22 percent) and New Caledonia (68.10 percent), its closest peers in the World Bank ranking. Over the 66‑year series, the upward trajectory reflects continued migration to Riga and other midsize cities, driven by higher wages and better services, while rural depopulation persists in peripheral regions. Although the recent figure sits just under the 1988 peak, demographic projections suggest a modest further increase as younger cohorts concentrate in urban labour markets and housing policies favour compact development. Absent significant policy shifts to revitalize rural economies, the urban share is likely to edge higher, nudging Latvia closer to the urbanisation levels of its Baltic neighbour.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 68.73% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 68.64% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 68.55% | - | - |
| 2025 | 68.55% | +0.07% | #96 |
| 2024 | 68.48% | +0.13% | #121 |
| 2023 | 68.36% | +0.10% | #121 |
| 2022 | 68.26% | +0.08% | #121 |
| 2021 | 68.18% | +0.06% | #123 |
| 2020 | 68.12% | +0.05% | #126 |
| 2019 | 68.07% | +0.05% | #126 |
| 2018 | 68.02% | +0.05% | #126 |
| 2017 | 67.97% | +0.04% | #127 |
| 2016 | 67.93% | +0.03% | #126 |
| 2015 | 67.90% | +0.03% | #128 |
| 2014 | 67.87% | +0.02% | #129 |
| 2013 | 67.85% | +0.01% | #130 |
| 2012 | 67.83% | +0.01% | #132 |
| 2011 | 67.83% | −0.00% | #133 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Latvia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Latvia's urban population was 68.55% in 2025. Ranked 96th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Latvia's urban population peaked at 70.81% in 1988.
The lowest urban population in Latvia was 57.08% in 1960.
Latvia ranks 96th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Latvia's urban population is projected to reach 68.55% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of Latvia in 2025 was 68.55%. This ranks 96th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_latvia_urban-population,
title = {Latvia Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/latvia/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}