Population up 2.1% as residents return from overseas

About 170,000 residents who were staying abroad have returned.

Hong Kong’s population has risen by 152,000 as at mid-2023, a 2.1% increase compared to a year ago, according to the latest data from the Census & Statistics Department (C&SD). There are now over 7.498 million people living in Hong Kong.

The increase is a result of Hong Kong residents– who were stranded abroad as a result of the COVID-related border closures and lockdowns– returning to the city, an unnamed government official was quoted saying by C&SD.

A net inflow of 174 000 Hong Kong residents were recorded during the period, with an inflow of 31 000 One-way Permit holders and a net inflow of 143, 000 other Hong Kong residents.

“Many Hong Kong residents who stayed abroad during the epidemic have returned to Hong Kong, while some Mainland [Chinese] and overseas persons have also been admitted to Hong Kong through various schemes. A large net inflow of Hong Kong residents was hence recorded in the first half of 2023,” the official said.

Deaths surpassed births during the period, with 32,600 births and 54,600 deaths, according to C&SD. 

 Amongst the total population, 7.249 million were usual residents and 248,700 were mobile residents.