Number of babies born in Hong Kong rises for first time in 6 years, population hits 7.5 million, census figures show

Census and Statistics Department announces city recorded 33,200 births last year, a 2 per cent increase over 2022, and first uptick since 2017

Total population rises to 7.5 million from 7.47 million, which government attributes to talent recruitment schemes and Hongkongers’ returning from overseas

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Hong Kong’s population rose for the second year in a row in 2023. Photo: May Tse

William Yiu

Published: 7:51pm, 20 Feb 2024Updated: 3:39pm, 21 Feb 2024

Corrected [3:00pm, 21 Feb, 2024]

[3:00pm, 21 Feb, 2024]
This article has been updated to include non-permanent residents as part of the "usual residents" category. The definition of "mobile residents" has also been corrected, as the category is made up of permanent residents only.
Paul Yip's quote has been updated to reflect that he voiced pessimism about the future, but that the government's goal was "comparatively optimistic".

The number of babies born in Hong Kong has increased for the first time in six years while the overall population edged up to 7.5 million, according to the latest official figures which the government attributed to various talent admission schemes and the return of residents who left during the pandemic.

The Census and Statistics Department announced on Tuesday that the city recorded 33,200 births last year, a 2 per cent increase over 2022, and the first uptick since 2017. The population rose 0.4 per cent to just over 7.5 million, growing for the second year in a row following the Covid-19 crisis.

The data showed 54,400 deaths were recorded last year, down 12 per cent over 2022, but still well above the number of births.

“The population registered an increase for the second consecutive year since normality resumed in Hong Kong,” a government spokesman said, referring to the end of pandemic restrictions. “Many Hong Kong residents who stayed abroad during the epidemic have returned to Hong Kong throughout 2023.”

The number of children born in Hong Kong went up in 2023 for the first time in six years, but deaths still outnumbered newborns. Photo: Sun Yeung

In the second half of last year, the city recorded a “considerable inflow” of permanent residents, while the population also grew due to the admission of mainland Chinese and foreigners through various schemes, he said.