Liberia Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
Liberia's urban population was 56.07% in 2025, ranked 139th globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Liberia's urban population stood at 56.07% in 2025, a rise of +0.54% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 56.07% by 2025. Liberia ranked 139th globally.
Liberia’s urban population share has risen markedly from 18.59 percent in 1960 to 56.07 percent in 2025, placing the country 139th in the world and situating it alongside peers such as Guatemala (56.31 percent) and Senegal (56.58 percent). The most rapid expansion occurred in the decades following the civil wars, with the share peaking at 58.00 percent in 1991 before a modest decline and subsequent rebound. Over the 66‑year coverage period, the urban share more than tripled, reflecting sustained rural‑to‑urban migration, higher fertility rates in cities, and expanding economic activity in Monrovia and other urban centres. The modest gap between the 1991 peak and the 2025 figure suggests that the urbanisation process is approaching a plateau, yet continued investment in infrastructure and services could either accelerate growth if cities attract more migrants or temper it if rural development improves. Future trajectories will hinge on how effectively Liberia balances urban expansion with inclusive economic policies.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 57.15% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 56.61% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 56.07% | - | - |
| 2025 | 56.07% | +0.54% | #139 |
| 2024 | 55.54% | +0.54% | #78 |
| 2023 | 55.00% | +0.54% | #76 |
| 2022 | 54.46% | +0.54% | #76 |
| 2021 | 53.92% | +0.53% | #75 |
| 2020 | 53.39% | +0.53% | #76 |
| 2019 | 52.86% | +0.53% | #74 |
| 2018 | 52.32% | +0.53% | #74 |
| 2017 | 51.80% | +0.53% | #74 |
| 2016 | 51.27% | +0.53% | #74 |
| 2015 | 50.74% | +0.52% | #74 |
| 2014 | 50.22% | +0.52% | #73 |
| 2013 | 49.70% | +0.52% | #75 |
| 2012 | 49.18% | +0.52% | #75 |
| 2011 | 48.66% | +0.52% | #75 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Liberia matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Liberia's urban population was 56.07% in 2025. Ranked 139th globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from the previous year.
Liberia's urban population peaked at 58.00% in 1991.
The lowest urban population in Liberia was 18.59% in 1960.
Liberia ranks 139th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Liberia's urban population is projected to reach 56.07% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of Liberia in 2025 was 56.07%. This ranks 139th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_liberia_urban-population,
title = {Liberia Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/liberia/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}