Urban Population Percentage
Percentage of total population living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices.
Quick Reference
Unit
% of population
Category
People & Society
Metric Code
urban_population_pct
How It's Calculated
Number of people living in areas classified as urban divided by total population, multiplied by 100. Urban definition varies by country but typically includes population density thresholds (e.g., > 5,000 inhabitants), administrative designation (cities, municipalities), or economic characteristics (non-agricultural employment). Based on census data and UN World Urbanization Prospects.
Why It Matters
Urbanization reflects economic transformation from agriculture to industry/services and correlates with higher incomes, better access to education and healthcare, and reduced fertility. However, rapid urbanization in developing countries often creates slums, congestion, pollution, and infrastructure deficits. Urban population percentage determines infrastructure investment priorities, environmental policy, and public health strategies. It is central to SDG 11 (sustainable cities).
Understanding the Values
Very Low: < 30% (rural societies - Burundi 14.8%, Uganda 26.8%, Ethiopia 22%) Low: 30-50% (early urbanization - India 35%, Kenya 29%) Moderate: 50-70% (transitioning - China 65%, Indonesia 58%, South Africa 68%) High: 70-85% (urbanized - USA 83%, Brazil 88%, Mexico 81%) Very High: > 85% (highly urbanized - UK 84%, Japan 92%, Singapore 100%) Global average: 57.7% urban (2024) Projected 68% by 2050 (nearly 7 in 10 people will live in cities) SDG 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable
Related Metrics
Total Population
Total number of people living in a country, based on census data and demographic estimates.
Access to Improved Sanitation Facilities
Percentage of population using improved sanitation facilities that safely dispose of human waste.
Access to Safely Managed Drinking Water
Percentage of population using safely managed drinking water services.
Urban Population Living in Slums
Percentage of urban population living in slums or informal settlements lacking adequate housing and basic services.
Data Quality & Coverage
Coverage: 217 countries Update frequency: Annual (UN estimates based on census data every 5-10 years) Source: World Bank / UN World Urbanization Prospects 2025 Limitations: Urban definition varies widely - some countries use 200-person thresholds, others 50,000+. Peri-urban areas (suburban sprawl) may be classified inconsistently. Slums and informal settlements may be undercounted. Does not measure urban quality (infrastructure, services).