Hong Kong, one of the world’s most densely populated and economically advanced regions, has experienced dramatic demographic changes in the last 70 years. From just under 2 million people in 1950, its population expanded rapidly due to migration and urban development, peaking at around 7.5 million in 2019–2020. However, projections suggest a long-term decline to just 2.08 million by 2100 — a reduction of nearly three-quarters.
Hong Kong’s Historical Population Growth (1950–2024)
Hong Kong’s population surged during the second half of the 20th century, largely fueled by post-war migration, industrial growth, and improved healthcare.
- 1950: 1.97 million
- 1960: 3.09 million
- 1970: 3.74 million
- 1980: 4.96 million
- 1990: 5.56 million
- 2000: 6.70 million
This rapid growth transformed Hong Kong into a global megacity, characterized by high-rise housing, dense urbanization, and a vibrant labor force.
Modern Growth and Stabilization (2000–2023)
In the 21st century, Hong Kong’s population continued to grow but began stabilizing:
- 2010: 7.10 million
- 2015: 7.36 million
- 2019 (peak): 7.49 million
- 2023: 7.44 million
The slowdown is linked to low fertility (1.0 births per woman, among the world’s lowest), limited land availability, and increasing emigration trends as residents move abroad.
Hong Kong’s Future Population Projections (2025–2100)
According to UN demographic projections, Hong Kong’s population is set for a long and steep decline.
- 2025: 7.39 million
- 2035: 7.05 million
- 2050: 6.09 million
- 2075: 3.88 million
- 2100: 2.08 million
This represents a loss of nearly 5.4 million residents from the peak. By 2100, Hong Kong’s population will be smaller than it was in the early 1960s.
FAQ
The population is about 7.44 million.
It peaked at 7.49 million in 2019–2020.
By 2050, it is projected to be 6.1 million.
It will decline sharply to 2.08 million.
Key reasons are low fertility rates, aging society, high housing costs, and migration outflows.
Source:
United Nations. World Population Prospects 2024.
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