Hong Kong’s population has edged higher again, reaching 7,518,300 in mid-2026, according to figures released by the Census & Statistics Department on August 18.
That represents a 0.3% increase from a year earlier. The rise came despite another natural decrease in the population, with more deaths than births, as inward migration continued to keep the overall figure moving upwards overall.
| Period from mid-2025 to mid-2026 | |
| Population estimate as at beginning of period | 7,498,900 |
| Births during the period | 29,700 |
| Deaths during the period | 50,100 |
| Net movement of Hong Kong residents during the period (of which: inflow of One-way Permit holders net movement of others) | 39,800 |
| Estimated total population as at end of period | 7,518,300 |
Between mid-2025 and mid-2026, Hong Kong recorded 29,700 births and 50,100 deaths, meaning deaths exceeded births by 20,400.
The city still ended the period with a larger population because there was a net inflow of 39,800 Hong Kong residents. According to the government, talent attraction and labour importation measures have continued to bring people to the city from the Mainland and other parts of the world.
That movement more than offset the natural decrease. Put simply, Hong Kong’s latest population growth was driven by people moving into the city over the 12-month period overall.
Hong Kong’s population has now moved close to its recent high after falling during the pandemic years. Revised official data show the the record mid-year figure of 7,536,100 in 2023 as normal travel resumed after the pandemic. The latest provisional figure of 7,518,300 therefore puts the city well above its pandemic-era low and only slightly below the 2023 peak.
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