Hong Kong’s population has seen a modest uptick, according to the latest provisional figures from the Census and Statistics Department on Tuesday.

As of mid-2026, the city’s population was estimated to be 7,518,300, marking a 0.3 percent increase – or roughly 19,400 people – compared with the 7,498,900 recorded in mid-2025.

Hong Kong recorded a net inflow of 39,800 residents between mid-2025 and mid-2026.

This influx was, however, partially offset by a natural population decline of 20,400.

During the same period, the territory logged just 29,700 births against 50,100 deaths.

A demographic breakdown put the number of usual residents at 7,252,800 and mobile residents at 265,500.

Usual residents are permanent residents who spent three months or more in Hong Kong within the designated six-month windows, as well as non-permanent residents who were physically present on count day.

Mobile residents are permanent residents who stayed between one and three months during those windows, also irrespective of their location on the reference date.

A government spokesperson attributed the overall increase to the success of ongoing talent attraction and labour importation schemes, noting these policies have drawn people from around the globe to the city, effectively counterbalancing the natural decrease.

The government also reminded the public that these figures are provisional and that the final revised estimates are scheduled for release in February.



Edited by Tony Sabine