Annual report shows record population rise, driven by foreign workers and shifting demographics

Singapore’s population reached a record 6.11 million in June 2025, with the increase fueled largely by growth in the non-resident population, according to the latest government data.

Non-Residents Drive Population Increase

The Population in Brief 2025 report, released on September 29 by the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD), revealed that Singapore’s population rose 1.2 percent from June 2024, surpassing 6 million for the second consecutive year. Non-residents were the main driver, climbing 2.7 percent to 1.91 million. Most of this increase came from work permit holders supporting construction and infrastructure projects, followed by migrant domestic workers.

Residents Remain Stable

As of June 2025, the resident population stood at 4.2 million, comprising 3.66 million citizens and 540,000 permanent residents (PRs). The citizen population grew slightly by 0.7 percent, while the PR population held steady. Over the last five years, Singapore’s annualized growth rate reached 1.5 percent, a sharp rise from the 0.5 percent of the preceding five years, largely due to higher foreign employment.

Marriage and Fertility Trends

Singapore registered 29,237 citizen births in 2024, a modest 1.2 percent increase from 2023. Still, fertility remained low, with the total fertility rate at 0.97, unchanged from the previous year. The median age of mothers at first birth rose to 31.6 years, reflecting later family planning. Meanwhile, citizen marriages fell to 22,955 in 2024, a 5.7 percent decline from 2023. The median age at first marriage also climbed, to 30.8 years for grooms and 29.1 years for brides.

Changing Family Patterns

Over the past two decades, Singapore has seen a steady decline in larger families. The share of ever-married women with three or more children dropped from 34.5 percent to 20.6 percent. By contrast, those with one child rose to 22.8 percent, and childless married women nearly doubled to 14.4 percent. Surveys show younger Singaporeans increasingly prioritize career and lifestyle goals over marriage and parenthood, though aspirations to marry and have children remain widespread.

Ageing and Immigration Pressures

Singapore’s ageing population continues to reshape its demographics. As of June 2025, 20.7 percent of citizens were aged 65 and above, up from 13.1 percent a decade ago. The median age rose to 43.7 years, and the proportion of working-age citizens fell below 60 percent. Immigration is seen as vital to moderating these pressures: in 2024, 22,766 new citizens and 35,264 PRs were granted status, with the government emphasizing a carefully controlled pace.

Singapore’s population growth, driven mainly by non-residents, reflects both its economic dynamism and demographic challenges. While foreign workers help power infrastructure projects and sustain industries, declining fertility, later marriages, and an ageing society highlight long-term pressures. For both Singaporeans and regional observers, the trends point to a delicate balance between immigration, economic needs, and social sustainability.

Sources: CNA (2025) , Business Today Malaysia (2025)

Keywords: Singapore Population 2025, Non-Resident Growth, Population Ageing, Birth and Marriage Trends, Immigration Policy