Pakistan Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
Pakistan's urban population was 39.63% in 2025, ranked 173rd globally. This represents a 1.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Pakistan's urban population stood at 39.63% in 2025, a rise of +0.45% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 39.63% by 2025. Pakistan ranked 173rd globally.
Pakistan's urban population has experienced a moderate increase over the past six decades, with a notable surge in the recent years. As of 2025, the urban population stands at 39.63%, marking the highest level in its history, surpassing the 1960 trough of 22.30%. This growth trajectory is comparable to that of Lao PDR, which ranks slightly higher at 40.28%. Pakistan's urbanization pace has been consistent, with a steady increase of approximately 1.75% per annum over the covered period. The rate of urbanization is likely to continue, driven by factors such as demographic changes and economic growth. However, the trajectory may be altered by factors such as changes in rural-urban migration patterns, government policies, or shifts in economic development strategies, which could impact the pace and direction of urbanization.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 40.47% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 40.05% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 39.63% | - | - |
| 2025 | 39.63% | +0.45% | #173 |
| 2024 | 39.17% | +0.35% | #43 |
| 2023 | 38.82% | +0.45% | #43 |
| 2022 | 38.37% | +0.44% | #43 |
| 2021 | 37.93% | +0.43% | #44 |
| 2020 | 37.51% | +0.40% | #44 |
| 2019 | 37.11% | +0.36% | #44 |
| 2018 | 36.75% | +0.31% | #44 |
| 2017 | 36.44% | +0.28% | #45 |
| 2016 | 36.16% | +0.26% | #46 |
| 2015 | 35.90% | +0.24% | #45 |
| 2014 | 35.66% | +0.23% | #45 |
| 2013 | 35.43% | +0.22% | #44 |
| 2012 | 35.22% | +0.20% | #44 |
| 2011 | 35.01% | +0.20% | #44 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Pakistan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Pakistan's urban population was 39.63% in 2025. Ranked 173rd globally. This represents a 1.2% increase from the previous year.
Pakistan's urban population peaked at 39.63% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in Pakistan was 22.30% in 1960.
Pakistan ranks 173rd globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Pakistan's urban population is projected to reach 39.63% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of Pakistan in 2025 was 39.63%. This ranks 173rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_pakistan_urban-population,
title = {Pakistan Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/pakistan/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}