South Africa’s urbanization grew from 52.0% in 1990 to 68.8% in 2023, reflecting social and economic changes post-apartheid. The 1990s marked the end of restrictive apartheid policies, leading to migration toward urban areas for employment and improved living conditions. By 2000, urbanization reached 56.9% as cities developed to accommodate diverse populations. Economic opportunities in urban centers continued to attract residents, with government investments in housing and public services supporting growth. By 2023, 68.8% of South Africa’s population lived in urban areas, underscoring the role of cities in the country’s socio-economic evolution.
Find out more through related statistics on South Africa’s fertility rate trends, South Africa’s population density, military personnel share in South Africa’s population.
