South Africa Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
South Africa's urban population was 63.72% in 2025, ranked 112th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's urban population stood at 63.72% in 2025, a rise of +0.03% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 63.72% by 2025. South Africa ranked 112th globally.
South Africa's urban population has undergone significant growth over the past six decades, with the latest figure standing at 63.72%, placing the country at the 112th position globally. The country's urban population has been steadily increasing since 1960 when it stood at 46.69%, with the all-time peak and trough occurring in 2025 and 1960, respectively. This trend is comparable to that of other countries, with Nigeria's urban population standing at 63.78% in 2025. South Africa's urbanization has been driven by various factors, including economic opportunities and migration from rural areas. However, a decline in economic growth and rising unemployment rates may impact the country's urbanization trajectory in the future. If South Africa's economic growth slows further, it could potentially lead to a stagnation or even decline in urban population growth, altering the country's demographic landscape.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 63.85% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 63.78% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 63.72% | - | - |
| 2025 | 63.72% | +0.03% | #112 |
| 2024 | 63.69% | +0.11% | #106 |
| 2023 | 63.58% | +0.11% | #107 |
| 2022 | 63.48% | +0.03% | #109 |
| 2021 | 63.45% | +0.01% | #109 |
| 2020 | 63.44% | +0.02% | #109 |
| 2019 | 63.41% | +0.04% | #111 |
| 2018 | 63.38% | +0.05% | #111 |
| 2017 | 63.33% | +0.06% | #112 |
| 2016 | 63.28% | +0.07% | #113 |
| 2015 | 63.21% | +0.07% | #112 |
| 2014 | 63.14% | +0.08% | #113 |
| 2013 | 63.05% | +0.09% | #114 |
| 2012 | 62.96% | +0.11% | #114 |
| 2011 | 62.85% | +0.22% | #116 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's urban population was 63.72% in 2025. Ranked 112th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's urban population peaked at 63.72% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in South Africa was 46.69% in 1960.
South Africa ranks 112th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's urban population is projected to reach 63.72% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of South Africa in 2025 was 63.72%. This ranks 112th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_urban-population,
title = {South Africa Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}