United States Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
United States's urban population was 80.14% in 2025, ranked 56th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
United States's urban population stood at 80.14% in 2025, a rise of +0.02% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 80.14% by 2025. United States ranked 56th globally.
The United States’ urban population share has risen steadily over the 66‑year series, climbing from an all‑time trough of 69.98 % in 1960 to a peak of 80.70 % in 2010, before settling at 80.14 % in 2025, which places the country 56th globally. This gradual urbanisation reflects the long‑term shift of economic activity toward services, housing demand, and infrastructure expansion, mirroring patterns observed in peer economies such as Spain, whose urban share stands at 80.45 %. The modest decline from the 2010 peak suggests a slowing of the urban pull, partly due to the maturation of metropolitan regions and the growing appeal of suburban and ex‑urban living, especially as remote‑work arrangements become entrenched. Future trajectories will likely hinge on housing affordability, transportation investments, and climate‑related migration, which could either sustain the current high urban share or prompt a modest rebalancing toward less densely populated areas.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 80.21% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 80.17% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 80.14% | - | - |
| 2025 | 80.14% | +0.02% | #56 |
| 2024 | 80.12% | +0.05% | #161 |
| 2023 | 80.07% | +0.04% | #161 |
| 2022 | 80.03% | +0.03% | #162 |
| 2021 | 80.01% | +0.01% | #161 |
| 2020 | 80.00% | −0.13% | #161 |
| 2019 | 80.13% | −0.15% | #162 |
| 2018 | 80.28% | −0.12% | #163 |
| 2017 | 80.40% | −0.10% | #163 |
| 2016 | 80.50% | −0.07% | #163 |
| 2015 | 80.57% | −0.05% | #163 |
| 2014 | 80.62% | −0.04% | #165 |
| 2013 | 80.66% | −0.02% | #166 |
| 2012 | 80.68% | −0.01% | #166 |
| 2011 | 80.70% | −0.00% | #166 |
Analysis
United States's urban population was 80.14% in 2025, a rise of +0.02% from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 80.14% by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
United States's urban population was 80.14% in 2025. Ranked 56th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from the previous year.
United States's urban population peaked at 80.70% in 2010.
The lowest urban population in United States was 69.98% in 1960.
United States ranks 56th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United States's urban population is projected to reach 80.14% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of United States in 2025 was 80.14%. This ranks 56th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-states_urban-population,
title = {United States Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-states/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}