Saudi Arabia Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
Saudi Arabia's urban population was 84.62% in 2025, ranked 46th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's urban population stood at 84.62% in 2025, a rise of +0.16% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 84.62% by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 46th globally.
Saudi Arabia's urban population has experienced a profound transformation over the past six and a half decades, growing from a mere 31.44% of the total population in 1960 to 84.62% in 2025, with the latter representing the country's all-time peak. This significant shift is reflective of the nation's rapid urbanization, driven by factors such as the discovery of oil reserves, investments in infrastructure, and government policies aimed at promoting economic growth. As of 2025, Saudi Arabia's urban population ranks 46th globally, closely trailing behind peer country Peru, which boasts an 85.61% urban population. The nation's urbanization has been accompanied by a shift towards a more service-oriented economy, with the government seeking to diversify the economy beyond oil exports. However, the trajectory of urbanization in Saudi Arabia may be impacted by the government's efforts to promote rural development and reduce the economic disparities between urban and rural areas, which could potentially alter the country's demographic landscape.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 84.94% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 84.78% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 84.62% | - | - |
| 2025 | 84.62% | +0.16% | #46 |
| 2024 | 84.46% | +0.16% | #171 |
| 2023 | 84.30% | +0.16% | #171 |
| 2022 | 84.13% | +0.16% | #171 |
| 2021 | 83.97% | +0.17% | #172 |
| 2020 | 83.81% | +0.17% | #172 |
| 2019 | 83.64% | +0.17% | #172 |
| 2018 | 83.47% | +0.17% | #171 |
| 2017 | 83.30% | +0.17% | #171 |
| 2016 | 83.13% | +0.17% | #171 |
| 2015 | 82.96% | +0.17% | #171 |
| 2014 | 82.78% | +0.18% | #171 |
| 2013 | 82.61% | +0.18% | #172 |
| 2012 | 82.43% | +0.18% | #172 |
| 2011 | 82.25% | +0.18% | #171 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Saudi Arabia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's urban population was 84.62% in 2025. Ranked 46th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's urban population peaked at 84.62% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in Saudi Arabia was 31.44% in 1960.
Saudi Arabia ranks 46th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's urban population is projected to reach 84.62% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 84.62%. This ranks 46th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_urban-population,
title = {Saudi Arabia Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}