Hong Kong’s population saw a modest increase of 0.1% in 2024, reaching over 7.53 million, marking its third consecutive year of growth. The rise was fueled by a net inflow of 21,000 people and an 11% jump in the number of newborns, bringing the total births to 36,700.
Post-Pandemic Recovery Fuels Growth
The uptick in population comes as Hong Kong works to revitalize its economy and restore its global status after three years of stringent COVID-19 restrictions, which ended in 2023. The government credited the increase to policies aimed at attracting skilled workers and importing labor, which have encouraged more people from mainland China and other regions to relocate to the city.
A Positive Contrast to Mainland China
While Hong Kong experiences growth, mainland China’s population continued to decline for a third consecutive year in 2024. The contrast underscores the city’s unique demographic dynamics and ongoing efforts to sustain economic development through immigration and workforce expansion.