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How Singapore’s Population Has Evolved in 5 Years

Published July 8, 2026 at 1:15 PM UTC

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Over the past five years, Singapore's population has experienced notable changes, reflecting shifts in demographics, fertility rates, and migration patterns. As of June 2025, the total population stood at 6.11 million, marking a 1.2% increase from the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by a rise in the non-resident population, including work permit holders in the construction sector and domestic helpers. The citizen population reached 3.66 million, with permanent residents remaining at 0.54 million. Despite the overall increase, the nation continues to grapple with an aging population. The median age of citizens rose from 42.5 to 42.8 years between June 2021 and June 2022. Additionally, the proportion of citizens aged 65 and above increased to 18.4% in 2022, up from 11.1% in 2012. Projections indicate that by 2030, approximately 23.8% of citizens will be aged 65 and above. Concurrently, the total fertility rate (TFR) has declined, reaching a historic low of 0.87 in 2025, down from 0.97 in 2023. This trend suggests that the citizen population may begin to shrink by the early 2040s. In response to these demographic shifts, the government has emphasized the need for a carefully managed immigration flow to augment the low birth rate. Efforts to attract foreign talent and encourage higher fertility rates are ongoing, aiming to balance the aging population and sustain economic growth. These demographic trends underscore the challenges Singapore faces in maintaining a balanced and sustainable population structure.