As of 2024, South Africa's population increased, counting approximately 63 million inhabitants. Of these, roughly 27.5 million were aged 0-24, while 654,000 people were 80 years or older. Gauteng and Cape Town are the most populated South Africa’s yearly population growth has been fluctuating since 2013, with the growth rate dropping below the world average in 2024. The majority of people lived in the borders of Gauteng, the smallest of the nine provinces in terms of land area. The number of people residing there amounted to 16.6 million in 2023. Although the Western Cape was the third-largest province, the city of Cape Town had the highest number of inhabitants in the country, at 3.4 million. An underemployed younger population South Africa has a large population under 14, who will be looking for job opportunities in the future. However, the country's labor market has had difficulty integrating these youngsters. Specifically, as of the fourth quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate reached close to 60 percent and 384 percent among people aged 15-24 and 25–34 years, respectively. In the same period, some 27 percent of the individuals between 15 and 24 years were economically active, while the labor force participation rate was higher among people aged 25 to 34, at 74.3 percent.

As of 2022, children between 10 and 14 years (over 5.7 million people) represented the largest share of the total South African population. In this age group, there were almost 66,000 more boys than girls. Moreover, in all the age groups between zero and 39 years, the number of men was higher than that of women. However, among South Africans aged 40 or older, the count of women in the population was greater than that of men.

In South Africa, children aged up to four made up the largest age group: *** percent of males and *** percent of females. Similarly, people between 30 and 34 years old held the second-largest share of the population. On the other hand, people aged 60 years and older represented a small portion of the population.

Population ages 65 and above (% of total population) in South Africa was reported at 6.6906 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Population ages 65 and above (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

This statistic shows the median age of the population in South Africa from 1950 to 2100*.The median age is the age that divides a population into two numerically equal groups; that is, half the people are younger than this age and half are older. It is a single index that summarizes the age distribution of a population. In 2020, the median age of the South African population was 27.3 years.

Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) in South Africa was reported at 48.31 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on August of 2025.

Abstract

The 1970 South African Population Census was an enumeration of the population and housing in South Africa.The census collected data on dwellings and individuals' demographic, migration, family and employment details.

Geographic coverage

National coverage of the so-called white areas of South Africa, i.e. the areas in the former four provinces of the Cape, the Orange Free State, Transvaal, and Natal, and the so-called National States of Ciskei, KwaZulu, Gazankulu, Lebowa, Qwaqwa, Kangwane, Kwandebele, Transkei and Bophuthatswana.

Analysis unit

The units of analysis for the South African Census 1970 were households and individuals

Universe

The South African population census of 1970 covered all de jure household members (usual residents) of South Africa and the "national states".

The Census was enumerated on a de facto basis, that is, according to the place where persons were located during the census. All persons who were present on Republic of South African territory during census night were enumerated and included in the data. Visitors from abroad who were present in the RSA on holiday or business on the night of the census, as well as foreigners (and their families) who were studying or economically active, were not enumerated and included in the figures. Likewise, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of foreign countries were not included. However, the South African personnel linked to the foreign missions including domestic workers were enumerated. Crews and passengers of ships were also not enumerated, unless they were normally resident in the Republic of South Africa. Residents of the RSA who were absent from the night were as far as possible enumerated on their return and included in the region where they normally resided. Personnel of the South African Government stationed abroad and their families were, however enumerated. Such persons were included in the Transvaal (Pretoria).

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

The 1970 Census was a full count for Whites, Coloureds and Asians, and a 5% sample for Blacks (Africans)

Sampling deviation

The country was divided into 400 census districts for the 1970 Census. In most cases the boundaries of the census districts corresponded with those of the magisterial districts. However, in some cases the boundaries did not correspond, particularly in the areas in and around the "National States". This was to facilitate the administration of the census and to make it easier to exclude figures of the "National states" from provincial totals.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The 1970 Population Census of the Republic of South Africa questionnaires were: Form 01, to be completed by "Whites, Coloured and Asiatics" Form 02, to be completed by "Bantu" Form 03, for families, households and dwellings

Form 01 collected data on relationship to household head, population group, sex, age, marital status, place of birth, and citizenship, as well as usual place of residence, home language, religion, level of education and income. Employment data collected included occupation, employment status and industry type.

Form 02 collected data for African South Africans on relationship to household head, sex, age, marital status, fertility, place of birth, home language and literacy, religion and level of education. Employment data collected included occupation, employment status and industry type.

Form 03 collected household data, including data on dwelling type, building material of dwelling walls, number of rooms and age of the dwelling. Data on home ownership. Data was also collected on the number and sex of household members and their relationship to the household head. Data on household heads included their population group, age and marital status. Income data was also collected, for husbands and wives. Data on home ownership, household size and domestic workers was also collected, but for Urban households only.

Graph and download economic data for Infra-Annual Labor Statistics: Working-Age Population Total: From 25 to 54 Years for South Africa (LFWA25TTZAQ647S) from Q1 2008 to Q1 2025 about working-age, 25 to 54 years, South Africa, and population.

South Africa ZA: Population: as % of Total: Aged 15-64 data was reported at 65.671 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 65.613 % for 2016. South Africa ZA: Population: as % of Total: Aged 15-64 data is updated yearly, averaging 56.842 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 65.671 % in 2017 and a record low of 53.937 % in 1966. South Africa ZA: Population: as % of Total: Aged 15-64 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Total population between the ages 15 to 64 as a percentage of the total population. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age/sex distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Weighted average;

Population ages 15-64 (% of total population) in South Africa was reported at 67.43 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Population ages 15-64 (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Population ages 25-29, male (% of male population) in South Africa was reported at 8.9237 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Population ages 25-29, male (% of male population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Population ages 65 and above, total in South Africa was reported at 4282432 Persons in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Total Population for Age 65 and above (only 2005 and 2010) (in number of people) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on August of 2025.

Abstract

The 1991 South African population census was an enumeration of the population and housing in South Africa.The census collected data on dwellings and individuals' demographic, family and employment details.

Geographic coverage

The South African Census 1991 covered the whole of South Africa. The "homelands" of Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei were enumerated separately and the dataset contains data files for Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei. The dataset does not include a data file for the Transkei.

Analysis unit

The units of analysis under observation in the South African census 1991 are households and individuals

Universe

The 1991 Population Census was enumerated on a de facto basis, that is, according to the place where persons were located during the census. All persons who were present on Republic of South African territory during census night (i.e. at midnight between 7 and 8 March 1991) were therefore enumerated and included in the data. Visitors from abroad who were present in the RSA on holiday or business on the night of the census, as well as foreigners (and their families) who were studying or economically active, were enumerated and included in the figures. The Diplomatic and Consular Corps of foreign countries were not included. Crews and passengers of ships were also not enumerated, except those who were present at the harbours of the RSA on census night. Similarly, residents of the RSA who were absent from the night were not enumerated. Personnel of the South African Government stationed abroad and their families were, however enumerated. Such persons were included in the Transvaal (Pretoria).

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling deviation

As a result of the unplanned and unstructured nature of certain residential areas, as well as the inaccessibility of certain areas during the preparations for the enumeration of census, comprehensive door-to-door surveys were not possible. The Human Sciences Research Council had to enumerate these areas by means of sample surveys. 88 areas country-wide were enumerated on this basis.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The 1991 Population Census questionnaire covered particulars of households: dwelling type, ownership type, type of area (rural/urban) and particulars of individuals: relationship within household, sex, age, marital status, population group, birthplace, citizenship, duration of residency, religion, education level, language, literacy,employment status, occupation, economic sector and income.

School age population, secondary education, male (number) in South Africa was reported at 2515315 Persons in 2020, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Population of the official age for secondary education, male - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

This statistic shows the age structure in South Africa from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, about 26.08 percent of South Africa's total population were aged 0 to 14 years.

South Africa ZA: Population: Female: Ages 35-39: % of Female Population data was reported at 7.063 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 6.927 % for 2016. South Africa ZA: Population: Female: Ages 35-39: % of Female Population data is updated yearly, averaging 5.849 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7.063 % in 2017 and a record low of 5.200 % in 1983. South Africa ZA: Population: Female: Ages 35-39: % of Female Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Female population between the ages 35 to 39 as a percentage of the total female population.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age/sex distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; ;

South Africa ZA: Population: Male: Ages 15-19: % of Male Population data was reported at 9.294 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 9.405 % for 2016. South Africa ZA: Population: Male: Ages 15-19: % of Male Population data is updated yearly, averaging 10.409 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11.077 % in 1999 and a record low of 9.244 % in 1964. South Africa ZA: Population: Male: Ages 15-19: % of Male Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Male population between the ages 15 to 19 as a percentage of the total male population.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age/sex distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; ;

Population of the official entrance age to primary education, male (number) in South Africa was reported at 590215 Persons in 2020, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Population of the official entrance age to primary education, male - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Population ages 65 and above for South Africa (SPPOP65UPTOZSZAF) from 1960 to 2024 about 65-years +, South Africa, and population.

Population of the official entrance age to secondary general education, male (number) in South Africa was reported at 529288 Persons in 2020, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Population of the official entrance age to secondary general education, male - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.