South Africa’s population rose to 64.7 m people in 2025.

Neither way is good in itself. A rising population can mean a larger market and workforce, or heavier demand on homes, schools and jobs, depending on how much the economy grows alongside it. The latest figure for 2025 is 64.7 million people, up 0.74 million or 1.2% from 64 million a year earlier. Since 2016 the range runs from a low of 57.3 million to a high of 64.7 million, so the latest reading sits at the top of its own range.

Why it matters. With 64.7 million people, South Africa has to find more homes, school places and jobs each year to keep pace with growth of 1.2%. Firms gain a larger pool of customers and workers. The state has more people to serve, and its tax base grows only if more of them find paid work.