Population inched up 0.4% in 2017 as residents migrate and age rapidly

The expansion was the slowest in seven years.

Hong Kong’s population inched by a measly 0.4% YoY to 7.41m by the end of 2017 to register its smallest expansion since 2008, according to statistics from the Census & Statistics Department. 

The lower population growth was largely attributable to higher migration levels with 24,300 people leaving the city as opposed to 6,100 in 2016. 

The decrease, however, was offset by the inflow of one-way permit holders at 47,000 to post a net movement of 22,600. 

Recorded deaths (46,600) are rapidly catching up to births during the period at 56,600 as the city continues to grapple with low fertility rate levels and a rapidly ageing population. 

In a breakdown, usual residents rose 0.5% YoY to 7.18m whilst the number of mobile residents dipped 1.5% YoY to 227,200.