Hong Kong’s population experienced a modest increase of 0.1% in 2024, surpassing 7.53 million, marking the third consecutive year of growth. This rise can be attributed to a higher birth rate and an influx of new residents to the city.
This population growth occurs as the Chinese special administrative region seeks to strengthen its economy and enhance its global attractiveness following three years of strict COVID-19 restrictions, which were lifted in 2023.
According to a government statement, the population increase was primarily driven by a net migration of 21,000 individuals, alongside an 11% rise in the number of births, totaling 36,700.
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The government stated that numerous individuals relocated to Hong Kong from mainland China and other global locations throughout 2024, thanks to ongoing initiatives aimed at attracting talent and facilitating labor importation.
The reputation of Hong Kong has been adversely affected by the anti-government protests in 2019 and the subsequent rapid implementation of a comprehensive national security law by Beijing in 2020.
This increase in Hong Kong’s population occurs in the context of a decline in China’s population for the third consecutive year in 2024.
