Population of Hong Kong

Hong Kong has an estimated 2026 population of 7,500,138 residents, which follows the official 2024 figure of 7,524,100. The territory currently holds a population rank of global 103 of 215 countries and territories. Its demographic profile is defined by an extreme population density and a 100% urbanization rate, reflecting its status as a major global financial center. Recent data shows a slight annual population decline of 0.16%, primarily driven by a birth rate that is significantly lower than the death rate.

The population of Hong Kong underwent massive expansion during the 20th century, particularly following the end of the Second World War. In 1945, the population was estimated at roughly 600,000, but it grew rapidly as hundreds of thousands of people moved from mainland China during the late 1940s and early 1950s. This influx provided the labor necessary for the territory to transform from an entrepôt into a manufacturing powerhouse and eventually a global financial hub. Throughout the British colonial era, the territory managed this growth through aggressive land reclamation and the construction of high-density public housing estates. Following the 1997 handover to China, the population continued to grow, though at a more moderate pace, supported by the One-way Permit scheme which allows for daily migration from the mainland. However, the demographic landscape has shifted in recent years. While the territory's total area remains fixed at 1,104 km² (426 sq mi), the population has begun to stabilize and slightly contract. This transition is marked by a shift from the rapid natural increase of the mid-20th century to a modern era characterized by an aging society and a natural population decrease, where deaths now exceed births on a daily basis.

The current annual population growth rate is -0.16%, a figure that highlights a significant demographic turning point for the territory. This decline is largely the result of a fertility rate of 0.84 births per woman, which is one of the lowest globally, ranking 213th out of 215 territories. Such a low rate is far below the replacement level of 2.1, indicating that without significant net migration, the population would contract even more rapidly. High housing costs, long working hours, and changing social attitudes toward marriage and family have all contributed to this persistent low fertility. Future projections suggest that the population will continue to age, with life expectancy remaining among the highest in the world at approximately 85.39 years. This longevity, while a sign of excellent healthcare and public safety, presents long-term economic challenges as the dependency ratio increases. The workforce is expected to shrink unless bolstered by talent attraction schemes or continued migration from mainland China. Current trends indicate that while Hong Kong remains a magnet for international professionals, the natural demographic momentum is toward a smaller, older population.

With an estimated 2026 population density of 7,143 people per km² (18,500 per sq mi), Hong Kong ranks 3rd in Asia, reflecting its intense land use constraints.

The territory maintains a 100% urban population, reflecting its status as a fully integrated metropolitan economy where every resident has access to urban infrastructure.

In the global context, Hong Kong is ranked 103rd by population, but its density is where it truly stands out, holding the rank of global 4 of 215. Within Asia, it is the 32nd most populous out of 49 countries and territories, and 3rd for population density. These figures place it in a similar demographic category to other highly urbanized Asian economies like Singapore and Macau. At the subregional level, it is the 5th most populous territory out of 7 in Eastern Asia. Unlike its larger neighbors such as mainland China or Japan, Hong Kong's entire population is concentrated within a very small land area, resulting in an urbanization rate that is significantly higher than the regional average. Its life expectancy rank of global 3 of 215 further distinguishes it, outperforming many larger developed nations in terms of public health outcomes and longevity.