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POPULATION TRENDS, 2023
ISSN 2591-8028

© Department of Statistics, Ministry of Trade & Industry, Republic of Singapore

Reproducing or quoting any part of this publication is permitted, provided this

publication is accredited as the source. Please refer to the Statistics Singapore
Website Terms of Use (http://www.singstat.gov.sg/terms-of-use) for more details on
the conditions of use of this publication.
 PREFACE
Population size, structure and changes have important implications for
production, investment and consumption activities as well as community
development, social networks and kinship ties. A good understanding of
demographic forces and emerging trends is useful for policy makers, planners,
businesses and the academia.

The Singapore Department of Statistics compiles, monitors and

analyses Singapore’s population statistics and indicators in detail. A report on
Population Trends that puts together different aspects of demographic
statistics is released annually. Population Trends, 2023 is the nineteenth
edition of the annual series.

The report comprises six chapters, namely, ‘Population’, ‘Geographical

Distribution’, ‘Households and Housing’, ‘Family Formation and Dissolution’,
‘Fertility’ and ‘Mortality’. Key definitions and concepts are explained in text
boxes in each chapter. Users can also explore the data time series in our e-
service SingStat Table Builder at https://tablebuilder.singstat.gov.sg/.

I would like to thank various government agencies for providing the

necessary data for the compilation of indicators released in this report. My
sincere appreciation is also extended to all others who have contributed to the
successful completion of this report.

Koh Eng Chuan

Chief Statistician
Singapore

September 2023

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► i

 Our Vision
National Statistical Service of Quality, Integrity and Expertise

Our Mission
We deliver Insightful Statistics and Trusted Statistical Services that
Empower Decision Making

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& Expertise competency to produce quality statistics that comply with
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friendly platforms.

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collected by us.

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maintaining data quality.

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on new technology, to deliver better products and services to
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Collaboration We engage users on data needs, data providers and respondents
on supply of data, and undertake the role of national statistical
coordination.

Effectiveness We optimise resource utilisation, leveraging on administrative

and alternative data sources to ease respondent burden.

ii ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 CONTENTS
Page
Preface ............................................................................................................................... i

Contents .................................................................................................................iii

List of Tables .......................................................................................................... v

Key Demographic Indicators, 1970 – 2023 ............................................................... vii

POPULATION TRENDS
Chapter 1 Population
Population Size and Growth .........................................................................2
Age Structure................................................................................................3
Old-Age Support Ratio .................................................................................4
Ethnic Composition ......................................................................................4
Sex Composition ..........................................................................................5
Marital Status................................................................................................5
Proportion of Singles ....................................................................................7
Education Profile ..........................................................................................9

Chapter 2 Geographical Distribution

Resident Population ...................................................................................12
Age Profile ..................................................................................................14
Type of Dwelling .........................................................................................15
Floor Area ...................................................................................................16

Chapter 3 Households and Housing

Resident Households .................................................................................18
Type of Dwelling .........................................................................................19
Tenancy of Households..............................................................................20
Household Size ..........................................................................................21
Household Living Arrangement ..................................................................22

Chapter 4 Family Formation and Dissolution

Marriages ....................................................................................................24
Age-Specific Marriage Rate .......................................................................25
Median Age at First Marriage .....................................................................26
Marital Dissolutions ....................................................................................27
Age-Specific Divorce Rate .........................................................................28
Marriage Duration of Divorcing Couples ....................................................28

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► iii

 CONTENTS (cont’d)

Page
Chapter 5 Fertility
Births and Fertility Rate .............................................................................. 29
Ethnic Differentials in Fertility ..................................................................... 30
Age-Specific Fertility Rate .......................................................................... 30
Births by Birth Order ................................................................................... 31
Number of Children Born ........................................................................... 32
Average Number of Children Born by Age Group of Females .................. 33
Average Number of Children Born by Educational Attainment of
Females ................................................................................................. 33

Chapter 6 Mortality
Deaths and Death Rate .............................................................................. 34
Age-Specific Death Rate ............................................................................ 35
Infant Mortality Rate ................................................................................... 35
Life Expectancy .......................................................................................... 36

iv ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 LIST OF TABLES
All statistical tables can be downloaded here.

Non-Geospatial Data

Population
T1 Indicators On Population, 1950 – 2023
T2 Singapore Citizens by Age Group, Ethnic Group and Sex, 1970 – 2023
T3 Singapore Residents by Age Group, Ethnic Group and Sex, 1957 – 2023
T4 Singapore Residents by Single Year of Age and Sex, 1980 – 2023
T5 Resident Population Aged 15 Years & Over by Sex and Marital Status,
1980 – 2022
T6 Singapore Residents Aged 20 Years & Over by Sex, Age Group and Marital
Status, 1980 – 2022
T7 Proportion of Singles Among Resident Population by Selected Age Group and
Sex, 1980 – 2022
T8 Proportion of Singles Among Resident Population by Selected Age Group, Sex
and Highest Qualification Attained, 1990 – 2022
T9 Singapore Residents Aged 25 Years and Over by Highest Qualification
Attained, Sex and Age Group, 1990 – 2022
T10 Mean Years of Schooling, 1980 – 2022
T11 Indicators of Education and Literacy, 1960 - 2021
T12 Residents by Age Group and Type of Dwelling, 2000 – 2023

Households and Housing

T13 Resident Households by Household Size, 1980 – 2022
T14 Resident Households by Household Size and Floor Area of Residence,
2011 – 2022
T15 Resident Households by Type of Dwelling, 1980 – 2022
T16 Resident Households by Tenancy, 1980 – 2022
T17 Resident Households by Age Group of Household Reference Person and
Household Living Arrangement, 1990 – 2022
T18 Resident Households by Household Living Arrangement and Age Group of
Youngest Child, 1990 – 2022

Family Formation and Dissolution

T19 Key Indicators on Marriages, 1961 – 2022
T20 Marriage Rates, 1980 – 2022
T21 Median Age At First Marriage of Grooms and Brides by Educational Qualification,
1984 - 2022
T22 Key Indicators on Divorces, 1980 – 2022
T23 Divorce Rates, 1980 – 2022
T24 Total Divorces by Duration of Marriage, 1980 – 2022

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► v

 LIST OF TABLES (cont’d)
Fertility
T25 Births and Fertility Rates, 1960 – 2022
T26 Live-Births by Birth Order, 1967 – 2022
T27 Resident Ever-Married Females by Age Group and Number of Children Born,
1980 – 2022
T28 Average Number of Children Born by Age Group of Resident Ever-Married
Females, 1980 – 2022
T29 Average Number of Children Born to Resident Ever-Married Females Aged
40-49 Years by Highest Qualification Attained, 1990 – 2022

Mortality
T30 Deaths by Broad Groups of Causes, 1969 – 2022
T31 Death and Death Rates, 1960 – 2022
T32 Age-Specific Death Rates, 1960 – 2022
T33 Life Expectancy by Sex, 1957 – 2022

Geospatial Data

Geographical Distribution
T1 Singapore Residents by Planning Area/Subzone, Age Group, Sex and Type of
Dwelling, June 2023
T2 Singapore Residents by Planning Area/Subzone, Age Group, Sex and Floor
Area of Residence, June 2023
T3 Singapore Residents by Planning Area/Subzone, Single Year of Age and Sex,
June 2023

NOTATIONS
n.a. not available
p preliminary
- nil or negligible

NOTES
The Population Trends, 2023 contains statistics that are the most recently available
at the time of its preparation.
Figures may not add up to the totals due to rounding.

vi ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 KEY DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS, 1970 – 2023
Population 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2022 2023
Total Population1,2,3 (‘000) 2,074.5 2,413.9 3,047.1 4,027.9 5,076.7 5,685.8 5,637.0 5,917.6
Resident Population2,3 (‘000) 2,013.6 2,282.1 2,735.9 3,273.4 3,771.7 4,044.2 4,073.2 4,149.3
Singapore Citizens (‘000) 1,874.8 2,194.3 2,623.7 2,985.9 3,230.7 3,523.2 3,553.7 3,610.7
Permanent Residents (‘000) 138.8 87.8 112.1 287.5 541.0 521.0 519.5 538.6
Population Density4 (Per sq km) 3,538 3,907 4,814 5,900 7,146 7,810 7,688 8,058
Sex Ratio5 (Males per 1,000 females) 1,049 1,032 1,027 998 974 957 955 950
Median Age5 (Years) 19.5 24.4 29.8 34.0 37.4 41.5 42.1 42.4
5
Old-Age Support Ratio
(Per person aged 65 years & over)
Persons aged 15 – 64 years 17.0 13.8 11.8 9.9 8.2 4.6 4.1 4.0
Persons aged 20 – 64 years 13.5 11.3 10.5 9.0 7.4 4.3 3.8 3.7
Proportion of Singles Among Residents
Aged 30 – 34 Years6 (%)
Males 21.5 21.3 34.0 30.7 37.1 41.9 41.1 n.a.
Females 9.6 16.6 20.9 19.5 25.1 32.8 31.8 n.a.
Highest Qualification Attained of Residents
Aged 25 Years & Over7 (%) n.a. 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 n.a.
Below Secondary n.a. 83.1 63.3 45.3 34.5 25.5 20.9 n.a.
Secondary n.a. 9.5 23.6 24.0 19.0 16.3 16.0 n.a.
Post-Secondary (Non-Tertiary) n.a. 4.7 8.9 9.5 10.0 10.0 n.a.
4.7*
Diploma & Professional Qualification n.a. 3.6 9.8 13.3 15.3 16.9 n.a.
University n.a. 2.7 4.7 12.1 23.7 33.0 36.2 n.a.
Mean Years of Schooling Among Residents
Aged 25 Years & Over7 (Years) n.a. 4.7 6.6 8.6 10.1 11.3 11.7 n.a.
Males n.a. 5.6 7.3 9.2 10.6 11.7 12.1 n.a.
Females n.a. 3.7 5.9 8.1 9.7 10.9 11.3 n.a.

Households & Housing 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2021 2022
Resident Households8 (‘000) 380.5 472.7 661.7 915.1 1,145.9 1,372.6 1,390.6 1,399.6
8
Average Household Size (Persons) 5.35 4.87 4.25 3.70 3.50 3.22 3.15 3.09
8
Owner-Occupied Households (%) 29.4 58.8 87.5 92.0 87.2 87.9 88.9 89.3
Type of Dwelling8,9 (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
HDB Flats10 30.9 67.8 85.0 88.0 82.4 78.7 78.3 77.9
Condominiums & Other Apartments 4.8 3.9 4.7 6.5 11.5 16.0 16.5 17.0
Landed Properties 14.1 8.5 7.0 5.1 5.7 5.0 4.9 4.9

* Data refer to Post-Secondary (Non-Tertiary) and Diploma & Professional Qualification.

Notes:
1) Total population comprises Singapore residents (i.e. Singapore citizens and permanent residents) and non-residents.
2) Data for 1970 and 1980 are based on de facto concept (i.e. the person is present in the country when enumerated at the reference
period). Data from 1990 onwards are based on de jure concept (i.e. the person’s place of usual residence).
3) Data from 2003 onwards exclude residents who have been away from Singapore for a continuous period of 12 months or longer
as at the reference period.
4) Prior to 2003, data are based on Singapore’s land area as at end-December. From 2003 onwards, data are based on Singapore’s
land area as at end-June.
5) Data refer to resident population.
6) Data refer to resident population, except for 1970 which refer to total population.
7) Data pertain to residents who were not attending educational institutions as full-time students and include those who were
upgrading their qualifications through part-time courses.
8) Data refer to resident households (i.e. households where the household reference person is a Singapore citizen or permanent
resident), except for 1970 which refer to private households.
9) Data include other types of dwelling (e.g. non-HDB shophouses).
10) Data for years prior 2018 include non-privatised Housing and Urban Development Company (HUDC) flats.

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► vii

 KEY DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS, 1970 – 2022 (cont’d)
Family Formation and Dissolution11 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2021 2022
Total Marriages12 14,572 22,444 23,953 22,561 24,363 22,651 28,329 29,389
General Marriage Rate13
Males (Per 1,000 unmarried resident males 51.3 54.9 52.2 47.4 39.3 35.7 45.3 47.0
aged 15-49 years)
Females (Per 1,000 unmarried resident females 65.3 67.3 59.2 46.8 35.3 34.9 44.2 45.5
aged 15-49 years)
Median Age at First Marriage (Years)
Grooms 26.9 26.7 28.0 28.7 30.0 30.4 30.5 30.7
Brides 23.1 23.6 25.3 26.2 27.7 28.8 29.1 29.3

Total Divorces & Annulments n.a. 1,721 3,634 5,137 7,338 6,959 7,890 7,107
14
General Divorce Rate
Males (Per 1,000 married resident males n.a. 3.7 6.1 6.5 7.5 6.3 7.2 6.2
aged 20 years & over)
Females (Per 1,000 married resident females n.a. 3.8 6.1 6.5 7.2 6.1 6.9 5.9
aged 20 years & over)

Fertility11 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2021 2022

Total Live-Births 45,934 41,217 51,142 46,997 37,967 38,590 38,672 35,605
Resident Live-Births n.a. 40,100 49,787 44,765 35,129 34,233 34,183 32,290
Crude Birth Rate6 (Per 1,000 residents) 22.1 17.6 18.2 13.7 9.3 8.5 8.6 7.9
6
Total Fertility Rate (Per female) 3.07 1.82 1.83 1.60 1.15 1.10 1.12 1.04
Gross Reproduction Rate6 (Per female) 1.49 0.88 0.88 0.77 0.56 0.53 0.54 0.50
Net Reproduction Rate6 (Per female) 1.42 0.86 0.87 0.76 0.55 0.53 0.54 0.50

Mortality11 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2021 2022

Total Deaths 10,717 12,505 13,891 15,693 17,610 22,054 24,292 26,891
Resident Deaths n.a. 11,205 12,932 14,715 16,476 20,985 23,270 25,586
6
Crude Death Rate (Per 1,000 residents) 5.2 4.9 4.7 4.5 4.4 5.2 5.8 6.3
6,15
Age-Standardised Death Rate 15.5 13.0 10.5 8.8 6.5 5.2 5.6 5.9
(Per 1,000 residents)
Infant Mortality Rate6 20.5 8.0 6.6 2.5 2.0 1.8 1.8 1.8
(Per 1,000 resident live-births)
Life Expectancy at Birth6,16 (Years) 65.8 72.1 75.3 78.0 81.7 83.7 83.2 83.0
Males 64.1 69.8 73.1 76.0 79.2 81.3 80.8 80.7
Females 67.8 74.7 77.6 80.0 84.0 85.9 85.5 85.2

Notes (cont’d):
11) Data for 2023 are not available.
12) Total marriages comprise civil marriages registered under the Women’s Charter and Muslim marriages registered under the
Administration of Muslim Law Act. Data exclude civil marriages which were contracted overseas or under religious and customary
rites, and were subsequently registered in Singapore in the reference year.
13) Data are based on resident grooms/brides and resident population, except for 1970 and 1980 which are based on total grooms/brides
and total population.
14) Data are based on divorces and annulments. From 2004 onwards, data are based on divorces and annulments where the male/female
spouses are residents (i.e. Singapore citizens and permanent residents).
15) The Singapore resident population as at June 2020 is used as the standard population to fix the age structure and eliminate its effect
on mortality trends.
16) Data for the latest available year is preliminary.

viii ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

Population
Trends

► 1
 Chapter 1 Population
Population Size and Growth

Singapore’s total population stood at 5.92 million as at end-June 2023 (Table 1.1),
a 5.0 per cent increase from end-June 2022. Taking into account the decline in total
population in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the average annual growth
rate of the total population over the past five years between 2018 and 2023 (1.0 per cent)
was comparable to the preceding five-year period (0.9 per cent).

The resident population grew by 1.9 per cent from 2022 to 4.15 million as at end-
June 2023. Within the resident population, citizens grew by 1.6 per cent to 3.61 million while
permanent residents grew by 3.7 per cent to 0.54 million. With the easing of travel
restrictions related to COVID-19, more citizens and PRs who previously remained overseas
continuously for 12 months or more returned to Singapore, and this was the largest
contributing factor to the increase in the resident population. As at end-June 2023, the non-
resident population stood at 1.77 million, an increase of 13.1 per cent from end-June 2022.

Table 1.1 Singapore Population Size and Growth by Residential Status

Number (‘000) Annual Growth1 (%)

Year Total Singapore Residents Non- Total Singapore Residents Non-
Population Total Citizens PRs Residents Population Total Citizens PRs Residents

2000 4,027.9 3,273.4 2,985.9 287.5 754.5 2.8 1.8 1.3 9.9 9.3
2010 5,076.7 3,771.7 3,230.7 541.0 1,305.0 1.8 1.0 0.9 1.5 4.1

2013 5,399.2 3,844.8 3,313.5 531.2 1,554.4 1.6 0.7 0.9 -0.3 4.0
2018 5,638.7 3,994.3 3,471.9 522.3 1,644.4 0.5 0.7 1.0 -0.8 -0.1
2019 5,703.6 4,026.2 3,500.9 525.3 1,677.4 1.2 0.8 0.8 0.6 2.0
2020 5,685.8 4,044.2 3,523.2 521.0 1,641.6 -0.3 0.4 0.6 -0.8 -2.1
2021 5,453.6 3,986.8 3,498.2 488.7 1,466.7 -4.1 -1.4 -0.7 -6.2 -10.7
2022 5,637.0 4,073.2 3,553.7 519.5 1,563.8 3.4 2.2 1.6 6.3 6.6
2023 5,917.6 4,149.3 3,610.7 538.6 1,768.4 5.0 1.9 1.6 3.7 13.1

Note: Data from 2003 onwards exclude residents who have been away from Singapore for a continuous period of 12 months or
longer as at the reference period.
1
For 2000, growth rate refers to the annualised change over the last ten years. From 2010 onwards, growth rate refers to the
change over the previous year.

Population
Total population comprises Singapore residents and non-residents. Resident population comprises
Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Non-resident population comprises foreigners who are
working, studying or living in Singapore but not granted permanent residence, excluding tourists
and short-term visitors.
Singapore’s population estimates are compiled using the register-based approach since the Census
of Population 2000. The basic count and profile of the population are based on a person’s place of
usual residence i.e. de jure concept.

2 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 Age Structure

Singapore’s resident population continued to age. The median age of the resident
population rose to 42.4 years as at end-June 2023 from 42.1 years in the previous year
(Chart 1.1). The proportion of residents aged 65 years and over rose to 17.3 per cent from
16.6 per cent over the same period.

Chart 1.1 Age Distribution of Resident Population

Per Cent 2003
25 2013
2022
2023
20 Median
Year Age
17.3
16.6 (Years)
15
2003 35.0
2013 38.9
10 10.5
2022 42.1
7.4
5 2023 42.4

0
Below 15 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 & Over

Age Group (Years)

Chart 1.2 Age Pyramid of Resident Population

Age Group
2023
(Years)
90 & Over 2013

85-89
80-84
75-79
70-74
Males 65-69 Females
60-64
55-59
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
5-9
0-4
200 100 0 0 100 200
Persons ('000) Persons ('000)

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 3

 Old-Age Support Ratio

The resident old-age support ratio, which refers to the number of residents aged
20-64 years per resident aged 65 years and over, declined further to 3.7 as at end-June
2023 (Chart 1.3).

Chart 1.3 Resident Old-Age Support Ratio

No. of Residents Aged 20-64 Years

Per Resident Aged 65 Years & Over
18
16
14 13.5

12
10
8
6
3.8
4
4.0
2 3.7

0
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2015 2023

Note: For 1971-1979, data refer to total population.

Ethnic Composition

The ethnic composition of the resident population remained stable. As at end-June

2023, the resident population comprised 74.0 per cent Chinese, 13.5 per cent Malays, 9.0
per cent Indians, and 3.4 per cent Others (Chart 1.4).

Chart 1.4 Ethnic Composition of Resident Population

Per Cent
3.3 3.4
Others
9.1 9.0 Indians
13.3 13.5 Malays

74.2 74.0 Chinese

2013 2023

4 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 Sex Composition

Among the resident population, the number of females continued to be higher than
the number of males. As at end-June 2023, the sex ratio was 950 males per 1,000 females
(Chart 1.5).

Chart 1.5 Sex Composition of Resident Population

Sex Ratio
Per Cent (Males Per 1,000 Females)

2023 48.7 51.3 950

2022 48.9 51.1 955

2013 49.2 50.8 968

2003
988
49.7 50.3

Males Females

Marital Status

Among the resident population aged 15 years and over, married persons formed the
largest group at 61.8 per cent in 2022, an increase from 59.7 per cent in 2012 (Chart 1.6).
This was followed by single (or never married) persons at 28.6 per cent, a decline from 32.1
per cent a decade ago. Those who were widowed and divorced or separated accounted for
4.9 per cent and 4.7 per cent respectively in 2022, compared to 4.8 per cent and 3.4 per
cent in 2012.

The proportion of widowed residents continued to be higher among females than

males, due in part to the longer life expectancy of females.

Chart 1.6 Marital Status of Resident Population Aged 15 Years and Over by Sex

Per Cent
Total Males Females
Divorced/
3.4 4.7 2.4 3.4 4.4 5.9 Separated
4.8 1.7 1.8
4.9 7.8 7.8 Widowed

61.4 64.8
59.7 61.8 Married
58.0 58.9

32.1 28.6 34.5 29.9 29.9 Single

27.4

2012 2022 2012 2022 2012 2022

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 5

 The marital distribution among the resident population varied across age groups.
The majority of residents in the younger age group of 20-29 years were single, while those
aged 30 years and over were predominantly married (Chart 1.7). As more residents live
past the age of 70 with improved life expectancy in 2022 compared to a decade ago, the
proportion of widowed residents among those aged 70 years and over declined over the
same period.

Chart 1.7 Distribution of Marital Status Among Resident Population

by Selected Age Group and Sex

Per Cent Males Solid Line ( ): 2022

100 Broken Line ( ): 2012

80
Married

60

40

20 Single Widowed

Divorced/Separated
0
20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70 & Over
Age Group (Years)

Per Cent Females

100

80

Married

60
Widowed

40

Single
20

Divorced/Separated
0
20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70 & Over
Age Group (Years)

6 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 Proportion of Singles

Among the resident population aged 25-49 years, the proportion of singles rose
across all male and female age groups between 2012 and 2022.

The largest increase was observed among females aged 25-34 years (Chart 1.8),
where the proportion of singles rose from 59.7 per cent to 69.5 per cent among females
aged 25-29 years, and from 25.6 per cent to 31.8 per cent among females aged 30-34 years
over the last decade.

For males, the proportion of singles increased the most among those aged 35-44
years. It rose from 18.8 per cent to 23.2 per cent among males aged 35-39 years, and from
13.0 per cent to 16.4 per cent among males aged 40-44 years between 2012 and 2022.

Chart 1.8 Proportion of Singles Among Resident Population

by Selected Age Group and Sex

2022
Age Group
Per Cent 2012
(Years)

13.2 15.5
45-49
12.5 13.0

16.4 16.2
Males 40-44 Females
13.0 12.2

23.2 17.9
35-39
18.8 16.5

41.1 31.8
30-34
38.6 25.6

82.0 69.5
25-29
81.5 59.7

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 7

 Singlehood was more prevalent among males aged 40-49 years with lower
educational qualifications. In 2022, 24.5 per cent of resident males aged 40-49 years with
below secondary qualification were single, higher than the 12.5 per cent among those with
university qualification (Chart 1.9).

In contrast, there were proportionally more females with higher educational

qualifications who were single. The proportion of singles among resident females aged 40-
49 years with university qualification was 18.8 per cent in 2022, higher than the 7.7 per cent
among those with below secondary qualification.

Chart 1.9 Proportion of Singles Among Resident Population by Selected Age Group,
Sex and Highest Qualification Attained

Per Cent 2012 2022

30-39 Years

Males Females

33.7 35.8 31.5 31.6 30.0 34.2 32.6 27.7

24.4 28.7 23.4 24.2
25.5 18.3 19.0 21.3
17.5
13.7 14.5 12.2

Below Secondary Post- Diploma & University Below Secondary Post- Diploma & University
Secondary Secondary Professional Secondary Secondary Professional
(Non-Tertiary) Qualification (Non-Tertiary) Qualification

40-49 Years
Males Females
24.5
20.0 16.9 16.2 15.8 15.3 17.1 16.0 18.8
13.1 13.0 11.9 12.5 11.8 9.8 10.9 11.5
8.6 8.7 7.7

Below Secondary Post- Diploma & University Below Secondary Post- Diploma & University
Secondary Secondary Professional Secondary Secondary Professional
(Non-Tertiary) Qualification (Non-Tertiary) Qualification

Note: Data pertain to residents who were not attending educational institutions as full-time students and include
those who were upgrading their qualifications through part-time courses.

8 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 Education Profile 3

Among residents aged 25 years and over, the proportion of those with post-
secondary or higher qualifications rose from 48.7 per cent in 2012 to 63.1 per cent in 2022
(Chart 1.10). This was mainly due to the increase in university graduates, from 25.7 per
cent to 36.2 per cent over the decade.

Chart 1.10 Highest Qualification Attained of Resident Population

Aged 25 Years and Over

Per Cent 2012 2022

36.2
32.3
25.7
20.9
19.0
16.0 16.9
13.9
10.0
9.1

Below Secondary Post-Secondary Diploma & University

Secondary (Non-Tertiary) Professional
Qualification

3 Data pertain to residents who were not attending educational institutions as full-time students and include
those who were upgrading their qualifications through part-time courses.

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 9

 The proportion of residents with university qualifications increased between 2012
and 2022 across all age groups (Chart 1.11). The largest increase of 23.0 percentage-points
was observed among residents aged 45-54 years, from 18.9 per cent to 41.9 per cent.

Among residents aged 25-34 years, university graduates formed the majority at 60.4
per cent in 2022, an increase from 49.3 per cent in 2012. Conversely, the proportions of
those with below university qualifications fell, especially those with secondary and below
secondary qualifications.

Chart 1.11 Highest Qualification Attained of Resident Population

Aged 25 Years and Over by Age Group

Per Cent
2012 2022

25-34 Years 35-44 Years

60.4
54.8
49.3
40.4

24.722.7
17.8 19.2 22.9
11.1 9.5 8.3 12.5 10.0 7.7
6.3 9.5
5.3 2.4 5.1

Below Secondary Post- Diploma & University Below Secondary Post- Diploma & University
Secondary Secondary Professional Secondary Secondary Professional
(Non-Tertiary) Qualification (Non-Tertiary) Qualification

45-54 Years 55 Years & Over

61.2

41.9 41.5
32.1
26.0
20.7 18.9 19.3 23.2
15.9 11.6 14.1
11.3 11.1 10.3 11.9 6.9 9.6
5.5 7.1

Below Secondary Post- Diploma & University Below Secondary Post- Diploma & University
Secondary Secondary Professional Secondary Secondary Professional
(Non-Tertiary) Qualification (Non-Tertiary) Qualification

10 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 With a larger proportion of residents attaining higher qualifications, the average
number of years of schooling among residents rose from 10.3 years in 2012 to 11.7 years
in 2022 (Chart 1.12). The gap between the males and females narrowed from 1.0 years to
0.8 years over the same period.

Chart 1.12 Mean Years of Schooling Among Resident Population

Aged 25 Years and Over by Sex

Years
13

12.1 Males
12
11.7 Total
11.3 Females
11 10.9

10.3

10 9.9

9
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 11

 Chapter 2 Geographical Distribution
Resident Population

As at end-June 2023, more than half (52.3 per cent) of the 4.15 million residents in
Singapore resided in nine out of fifty-five planning areas 4. There were five planning areas
with more than 250,000 residents each, namely Bedok, Tampines, Jurong West, Sengkang
and Woodlands (Chart 2.1). Bedok was the most populous with close to 280,000 residents.

Chart 2.1 Resident Population by Planning Area, June 2023

4Planning areas refer to areas demarcated in the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Master Plan
2019.

12 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 Singapore Department of Statistics Chart 2.2 Resident Population by Subzone, June 2023

The
Senoko North Wharv es

SEMBAWAN G
Sembawang
Straits

Sembawang
North North
Coast Senoko South Admiralty Tanjong
Irau
Senoko
West P. Seletar
Simpang
Sembawang North
Greenwood Park
Sembawang East
Central

SIMPA NG
WOODLANDS Woodlands Sembawang Pulau
Midview East Springs Seletar
Woodlands
Regional Northland
Woodlands West
Centre

LIM CHU K ANG Simpang P. Punggol Barat

South
Kranji
Yis hun
Mandai West
Woodlands
Reservoir Woodgrove East
South Yis hun
Lim View P. Punggol Timor
Chu Kang Mandai Yis hun East
MANDA I Es tate Central Pulau
Punggol
Barat
YISHUN
Pulau
Turf Club
SUNGEI Punggol
Timor
KADUT Mandai
Khatib
West
Yis hun Northshore North-Eastern
South Islands
Pulau Ubin
Seletar
NORTH-E ASTERN ISLANDS
Pang Sua
Aerospac e SELETA R
Park Seletar
Lower Punggol Town Centre Coney Is land
Seletar
Nee Soon
PUNGGOL Punggol Canal

Pulau Tekong
Matilda
Springleaf
Yew Tee Gali Waterway
Batu East
Fernvale P. Ketam
WESTERN Sengkang SENGKANG Anchorvale
Punggol
WATER CATCHME NT Yio Chu West
Field
Kang North
Choa Chu Kang North Sengkang
Town Changi
Centre Point
Choa
Pasir Ris
Chu Kang Central Riv ervale
Tagore Wafer
Senja Saujana Yio Chu Fab Park
Teck Fajar Kang Compass vale
Whye Yio Chu Seletar
Western Water CENTRA L Kang Eas t Hills Lorong
Catchment CHOA WATER CATCHME NT Yio Chu
Halus
Trafalgar
CHU K ANG Kang West
North Pasir Ris
Peng Siang West PASIR RIS Pasir Ris
Bangkit Park Loyang
Hougang West
Keat Hong Jelebu Sembawang Kebun Ang Mo Kio Serangoon Changi
Hougang East
Hills Bahru Town Centre North Ind Serangoon West West
Es tate North Paya
Forest Hill Cheng Paya
Lebar
Dairy Central Water Catc hment San HOUGANG Lebar
North Pasir Ris
BUKIT Farm ANG MO KIO West
Central
TENGAH Brick land
Hougang Lorong
Gombak PANJANG Central Halus Pasir Ris
Shangri-la Drive Loyang
Kangkar East
Tampines
Serangoon Garden
Townsville North
Chong
Park Boon
Tengah Hong Kah
North Kovan CHANGI
SERANGOON PAYA LE BAR
Bahar Defu Flora
Garden
Industrial Park Drive
Upper
Brick work s Guilin
Hillview
Thomson BISHAN Lorong
Wenya Ah Soo
Plab
Cleantec h Plantation BUKIT BATOK Nature Paya
Tampines
East
Reserve Serangoon Lebar
Mary mount Central East
Airport
Hong Kah Bishan Road
Bukit Bukit Batok Upper
East Lorong Tampines
Bukit Batok Central East Paya
Yuhua Chuan Lebar West Changi
Batok Wes t
Boon Lay West Airport
Yunnan Place
Tai Seng
Bukit
Tengeh Lorong 8
Jurong West Central Batok
Yuhua Swiss Toa Payoh Bidadari Simei
Lakeside South Toa Payoh Braddell
Woodleigh Bedok
East Club
(Leisure) West Reservoir
Toh Guan Anak Pei ChunTOA PAY OH
JUR ONG WES T
Bukit BUKIT TIMAH Joo Seng
Taman Kaki
Chin
Jurong
Boon Teck
Bukit TAMPINES
Safti Jurong
Bee Mount
Gateway Hillcres t Pleas ant Toa Payoh Sennett
Tuas Kian Toh Tuck NOV ENA Central Kim Potong CHANGI B AY
Promenade Lakeside Keat Pasir
Teck Bedok North
(Business) Kampong
Xilin
Ubi
Tuas Holland Macpherson BEDOK
International Sunset
Road Dunearn Kallang
North Joo Koon Tukang Busines s Park Way Coronation Bales tier
Road Way Kembangan
GE YLANG
Malcolm Changi
JUR ONG EA ST Faber Bendemeer Gey lang Bedok Bay
PIONE ER Clementi Bahru South
West
North
Tuas Bay Liu Fang Coast
Benoi Moulmein
Sector Jurong River Leedon Farrer Gey lang East
Ulu
Park Court
CLE MENTI Pandan Goodwood Kallang Boon
Teban Gardens TyersallTANGLIN Aljunied Frankel
Gul BOON LAY Nassim Park Kampong Bahru Keng Bays hore
Circle Java KALLA NG
Clementi Singapore Newton Circus
Ghim Moh
Jurong Pandan Central Polytec hnic Orange Grove NEWTON Farrer
Port Monk's Park Lavender
Holland Kampong
Samulun Hill Little Sungei
Shipy ard Drive
Clementi ORCHA RD Cairnhill Bugis MARINE Katong Siglap
Is tana Mackenzie India Road
Gul
Woods Commonwealth Negara ROCHOR PARADE
Penjuru Tanglin Boulevard
Basin
Clementi Dover Rochor Canal Crawford Marine Parade
Cresc ent West
Ridout One Mount Bencoolen
Kampong Glam Mountbatten
Tanglin Tree Emily Selegie
Tuas Paters on Somerset
Pioneer Hill Tanjong
View Halt East Coas t
Sector Dhoby Victoria Bugis Rhu
Leonie Hill Oxley Ghaut Nic oll
National One North Bras Basah
University Of S'pore Margaret Chatsworth
QUE ENSTOWN Drive MUSE UM
RIV ER VALLEY
Institution Hill Fort Canning MARINA
Mei Chin
Alexandra City Hall Marina EAST
North Clarke Centre Marina
Bukit Robertson Q uay Quay DOWNTOWN East (MP)
Ho Swee
Queensway CORE Marina
Boat
Pasir Alexandra Redhill
Henderson SINGA PORE RIVER East
Hill Quay
Panjang 1 Hill Pearl's
Kent Phillip Clifford
Hill
TUAS Ridge Tiong Tiong China Square Pier
Depot Bukit Bahru Bahru Raffles Bayfront MARINA
Road Merah Station People's Place Subzone SOUTH
Park OUTRAM
Singapore
Kampong General Hospital Chinatown Maxwell Cecil
Port Telok Telok Tiong Marina South
Pasir
Panjang 2 Blangah Blangah Way Bahru Tanjong STRA ITS
Central Subzone
Drive Pagar VIEW

1° 29' 30" N
Telok Blangah Ev erton Park
Ris e Anson
Jurong Island
Straits View
City Terminals
Tuas View
Maritime BUKIT MERAH
Ex tension

INSET
Square

Not to Scale
Jurong
Is land P. Brani
And Bukom

Number
WESTERN ISLANDS Sentosa Sentosa

SOUTHERN ISLANDS

Pulau Bukum

< 5,000
Pulau Busing
Lazarus Is land

104° 20' 00" E 104° 40' 00" E

SOUTH CHINA SEA
P. Hantu
P. Bukum Kechil
Sisters' Island
Southern
Group
Kusu Island
5,000 -< 10,000

St. John's Island

10,000 -< 20,000
20,000 -< 30,000 PEDRA BRANCA
Population Trends, 2023 ► 13

(HORSBURGH LIGHTHOUSE)
Semakau

30,000 -< 40,000

Pulau Sudong

µ
Pulau Sebarok

Sudong

1° 14' 30" N
40,000 -< 50,000
Pulau Semakau

>= 50,000
Pulau Pawai

Pulau Senang

Pulau Satumu

0 2.5 5 10 15 20
Kilometers
 Age Profile

In 2023, Outram, Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Rochor and Kallang were some of the
planning areas which had higher proportions of residents aged 65 years and over than other
planning areas (Chart 2.3). For each of these areas, at least one in five residents were aged
65 years and above.

In comparison, planning areas with newer housing estates had a higher proportion
of children aged below 5 years than older planning areas. In 2023, Punggol had the highest
proportion of children aged below 5 years, at 6.9 per cent of the resident population in the
planning area (Chart 2.4).

Chart 2.3 Proportion of Resident Population Aged 65 Years and Over

by Planning Area, June 2023

Chart 2.4 Proportion of Resident Population Aged Below 5 Years

by Planning Area, June 2023

14 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 Type of Dwelling

An estimated 3.18 million residents, or more than three in four residents, resided in
Housing Development Board (HDB) flats in 2023 (Chart 2.5). There were four planning
areas where more than 90 per cent of residents were staying in HDB flats. Woodlands
ranked first amongst planning areas with the highest proportion of HDB dwellers, followed
by Outram.

Chart 2.5 Proportion of Resident Population Staying in HDB Flats

by Planning Area, June 2023

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 15

 Floor Area

In 2023, proportionately more seniors aged 65 years and over (27.2 per cent) lived
in smaller residential dwelling units with floor areas of 80 sq m or less, compared to the
overall resident population (19.4 per cent) (Chart 2.6).

By planning area, Outram and Queenstown were some of the planning areas which
had at least 50 per cent of residents aged 65 years and above staying in residential dwelling
units with floor areas of 80 sq m or less (Chart 2.7).

Chart 2.6 Proportion of Resident Population by Floor Area of Residence (sq m), 2023

Per Cent

27.4 28.0 27.2 28.5

25.2
23.1
21.1
19.4

≤ 80 > 80 - > 100 - > 120 ≤ 80 > 80 - > 100 - > 120
100 120 100 120

Chart 2.7 Proportion of Residents Aged 65 Years & Over Staying in Residential Dwelling
Units of Floor Area ≤80 sq m by Planning Area, June 2023

16 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 Note:

Published maps are based on Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Master Plan 2019
planning area boundaries and Singapore Land Authority’s 2023 Singapore island profile.
The Master Plan 2019 is a forward looking guiding plan for Singapore’s development in
the medium term over the next 10 to 15 years and the planning boundaries may not
coincide with existing developments for some areas.

Codes for Planning Area

AM Ang Mo Kio GL Geylang OR Orchard SL Seletar
BD Bedok HG Hougang OT Outram SM Simpang
BK Bukit Batok JE Jurong East PG Punggol SR Singapore River
BL Boon Lay JW Jurong West PL Paya Lebar SV Straits View
BM Bukit Merah KL Kallang PN Pioneer TH Tengah
BP Bukit LK Lim Chu Kang PR Pasir Ris TM Tampines
Panjang
BS Bishan MD Mandai QT Queenstown TN Tanglin
BT Bukit Timah ME Marina East RC Rochor TP Toa Payoh
CB Changi Bay MP Marine Parade RV River Valley TS Tuas
CC Central MS Marina South SB Sembawang WC Western Water
Water Catchment
Catchment
CH Changi MU Museum SE Sengkang WD Woodlands
CK Choa Chu NE North-Eastern SG Serangoon WI Western Islands
Kang Islands
CL Clementi NT Newton SI Southern YS Yishun
Islands
DT Downtown NV Novena SK Sungei Kadut
Core

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 17

 Chapter 3 Households and Housing
Resident Households

The number of resident households increased by 0.6 per cent to 1.40 million in 2022, from
1.39 million in 2021 (Chart 3.1).

Chart 3.1 Resident Households

Annual Growth*
('000) Year
(%)
1,600 2022
2021 1,399.6 1990 3.4
1,400 1,390.6 2000 3.3
2012
1,152.0
1,200 2010 2.4
2011 0.0
2012 0.5
1,000
2013 1.9
2014 2.2
800 2015 2.1
2016 3.1
600 2017 2.1
2018 2.7
400 2019 3.6
2020 0.0
200 2021 1.3
2022 0.6
0
1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022

* For 1990 and 2000, growth rates refer to the annualised change over the last ten years. From 2010 onwards, growth
rate refers to the change over the previous year.

Household
A household refers to (i) a group of two or more persons living together in the same house and
sharing common food or other essential arrangements for living; or (ii) a person living alone or
a person living with others but having his own food or other essential arrangements for living.
Although persons may be living in the same house, they may not be members of the same
household.
A resident household refers to a household where the household reference person is a
Singapore citizen or permanent resident.
The household reference person may refer to the oldest member, the main income earner, the
owner-occupier of the house, the person who manages the affairs of the household, or the
person who supplied the information pertaining to other members.
Prior to Census of Population 2020, survey respondents were asked to identify the ‘head of
household’. The identified person is used as the reference person to determine relationships
between household members. In Census of Population 2020, the term ‘head of household’ has
been replaced with ‘household reference person’.

18 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 Type of Dwelling

While most resident households continued to live HDB flats, the proportion decreased
from 81.6 per cent in 2012 to 77.9 per cent in 2022. HDB 4-room and 5-room/executive flats
remained the most prevalent type of dwelling among resident households over the past decade,
despite a decline in the proportion of those living in HDB 5-room/executive flats from 25.5 per
cent in 2012 to 22.6 per cent in 2022 (Chart 3.2).

Correspondingly, the proportion of resident households living in condominiums and other

apartments rose from 12.1 per cent in 2012 to 17.0 per cent in 2022, similar to the proportion of
those living in HDB 3-room flats (17.2 per cent). Those living in landed properties declined from
6.0 per cent to 4.9 per cent over the same period.

Chart 3.2 Proportion of Resident Households by Selected Type of Dwelling

Per Cent
40

32.6
31.4
30 HDB
HDB 4-Room
4-Room Flats
Flats
25.5
22.6 HDB
HDB 5-Room
5-Room
/ /
Executive
Executive Flats
Flats
18.6
20 17.2
HDB
HDB 3-Room
3-Room Flats
Flats
12.1 17.0 Condominiums /
Other Apartments
10 6.7
6.0 HDB 1- and 2-Room Flats*

Landed Properties
4.7 4.9
0
1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022

* Includes HDB studio apartments.

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 19

 Tenancy of Households

In 2022, 89.3 per cent of resident households owned the dwelling they were staying in, a
slight increase from 2021 (Table 3.1).

Table 3.1 Resident Households by Tenancy of Household

Tenancy (‘000)
% in Owner-
Year Owner-
Total* Rented Occupied
Occupied

1990 661.7 578.9 78.6 87.5

2000 915.1 841.6 63.4 92.0

2010 1,145.9 998.9 132.5 87.2

2011 1,146.2 1,015.9 103.5 88.6
2012 1,152.0 1,038.2 106.8 90.1
2013 1,174.5 1,062.5 105.7 90.5
2014 1,200.0 1,083.4 109.8 90.3
2015 1,225.3 1,112.4 106.2 90.8
2016 1,263.6 1,149.1 107.6 90.9
2017 1,289.9 1,170.2 109.8 90.7
2018 1,325.3 1,205.8 112.4 91.0
2019 1,372.4 1,240.6 122.5 90.4
3
2020 1,372.6 1,206.0 152.1 87.9
2021 1,390.6 1,236.9 134.8 88.9
2022 1,399.6 1,249.7 131.7 89.3

* Includes resident households in "Others" tenancy.

Tenancy of Household
Tenancy refers to the tenure status of the household with respect to the dwelling in which the
household members live in.
“Owner-Occupied” refers to a household where the household reference person and/or any
other member(s) in the household owns the dwelling unit. This includes those which are fully
paid-up as well as those with outstanding housing loans.
“Rented” refers to a household where the household reference person and/or any other
member(s) in the household rents whole or part of the dwelling unit.
“Others” refer to a household where the household reference person and/or any other
member(s) in the household occupies whole or part of the dwelling unit without charge
(provided free by other persons (e.g., employers, relatives, friends, or any other persons)).

3 The fall in the proportion of owner-occupied resident households in 2020 could be due to changes in living
arrangements arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, individuals moving in with family members to provide
care or support during the pandemic, or resident homeowners who left Singapore before the pandemic and remained
overseas at the point of data collection.
20 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics
 Household Size

The average household size among resident households fell from 3.53 persons in 2012
to 3.09 persons in 2022 (Chart 3.3). The decline was observed across all types of dwelling.

Resident households living in HDB dwellings with fewer rooms tend to be smaller. In 2022,
the average household size was 2.05 persons for HDB 1-& 2-room flats, 2.46 persons for HDB 3-
room flats, followed by 3.15 persons and 3.56 persons for HDB 4-room and 5-room/executive
flats respectively. Among those living in private properties, there were 3.11 persons living in
condominiums/other apartments and 4.12 persons living in landed properties on average.

Chart 3.3 Average Household Size of Resident Households by Selected Type of Dwelling

Persons

5.0

4.5 4.35
4.12 Landed Properties
3.98
4.0
HDB 5-Room / Executive Flats
3.63 3.56
3.53 Condominiums /
3.5
Other Apartments
3.48 3.15
HDB 4-Room Flats
3.11
3.0 2.79 3.09 Total^

2.46
2.5 2.36 HDB 3-Room Flats

2.05
HDB 1- and 2-Room Flats*
2.0

1.5
1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022
^ Includes other types of dwelling (e.g. non-HDB shophouses). Data for years prior to 2018 includes non-
privatised Housing and Urban Development Company (HUDC) flats.
* Includes HDB studio apartments.

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 21

 Household Living Arrangement

While married couple-based households with children continued to be the most prevalent
living arrangement, its share among resident households declined from 57.1 per cent in 2012 to
45.6 per cent in 2022 (Chart 3.4).

Over the same period, the proportions rose for couple-based households without children
(from 15.0 per cent to 17.8 per cent) and, to a larger extent, one-person households (from 9.5 per
cent to 15.5 per cent).

Chart 3.4 Resident Households by Household Living Arrangement

Per Cent 2012 2022

57.1
45.6

15.0 17.8 15.5 15.2

9.5 11.2
7.2 5.9

Married Couple- Married Couple- Lone-Parent Living Alone Others

Based with Based without
Children Children

Household Living Arrangement

Couple-based households refer to households with a married household reference person and
spouse. This category is further split into those living with children and without children.
Lone-parent households refer to households whose household reference person is never-
married/widowed/divorced/separated and living with children aged below 16 years or never-
married children.
Living alone households refer to one-person households. Examples include single persons
living alone, or ever-married persons who are living alone as their children have grown up and
moved out from the parental home.

22 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 Between 2012 and 2022, a decline in the share of married couple-based households with
children was observed among those with household reference persons aged below 65 years,
particularly among those aged 35-49 years (from 65.8 to 49.5 per cent) (Chart 3.5). This
corresponds to trends of declining fertility over the past decade.

Among those with younger reference persons aged below 35 years, the share of married
couple-based households declined from 70.0 per cent in 2012 to 53.4 per cent in 2022.
Conversely, the proportion of one-person households more than doubled over the same period,
from 7.1 to 16.4 per cent. These are consistent with the trends of increasing singlehood and
delayed marriages.

For households with elderly reference persons aged 65 years and over, the proportion of
married couple-based without children and one-person households were the highest compared
to the younger age groups, due to grown-up children setting up their own homes or the passing
of one spouse.

Chart 3.5 Resident Households by Age Group of Household Reference Person and
Household Living Arrangement

Per Cent 2012 2022

Household Reference Persons Household Reference Persons

Aged Below 35 Years Aged 35-49 Years
65.8

49.5
39.2
31.6 30.7 27.8
21.8 20.3
16.4 17.4
7.1 10.7 14.5 7.1
13.0 10.4
2.6 2.4 5.9 5.6

Married Married Lone-Parent Living Alone Others Married Married Lone-Parent Living Alone Others
Couple-Based Couple-Based Couple-Based Couple-Based
with Children without with Children without
Children Children

Household Reference Persons Household Reference Persons

Aged 50-64 Years Aged 65 Years & Over
62.6
54.8

32.5 33.7
27.5 27.3
23.1
17.6
10.6 12.7 8.0 7.7 9.1 12.2 9.7 12.6 10.9 11.5 10.7
5.2

Married Married Lone-Parent Living Alone Others Married Married Lone-Parent Living Alone Others
Couple-Based Couple-Based Couple-Based Couple-Based
with Children without with Children without
Children Children

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 23

 Chapter 4 Family Formation and Dissolution

Marriages

The total number of civil and Muslim marriages registered in 2022 rose to a record high of
29,389 4, 3.7 per cent higher than the 28,329 marriages registered the year before (Chart 4.1).
This is the second consecutive increase since 2020, where the total number of marriages dipped
to 22,651 as marriage plans for some were disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Partly contributed by the dip in the number of marriages in 2020 due to the pandemic, the
annual average number of marriages registered in the last five years was 26,562, lower than the
annual average of 27,833 for the preceding five years between 2013 and 2017.

Among the marriages registered in 2022, close to four in five were first marriages where
neither party had previously been married.

Chart 4.1 Total Marriages and General Marriage Rate (GMR)

Remarriages Male GMR Per 1,000 Unmarried Resident

('000)
First Marriages Female GMR Males/Females Aged 15-49 Years
30 50

40

20
30

20
10

10

0 0
2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020 2022

Total Marriages and Divorces

Statistics on marriages comprise civil marriages registered under the Women’s Charter and
Muslim marriages registered under the Administration of Muslim Law Act. They are obtained
from records maintained by the Registry of Marriages and the Registry of Muslim Marriages.
Statistics on divorces and annulments are obtained from records maintained by the Family
Justice Courts and Syariah Court. The records on revocation of divorces are obtained from the
Registry of Muslim Marriages. Separations that do not confer on the parties the right to remarry
are not covered.
More details on marriages and divorces are available in the publication “Statistics on Marriages
and Divorces, 2022”.

4 This is the highest since data on total marriages registered in Singapore (comprising civil and Muslim marriages) were
first compiled and published in 1961. The previous record high was in 2014 with 28,407 marriage registrations.
24 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics
 In tandem with the higher number of marriages, the general marriage rates for both males
and females increased in 2022. For males, the rate was 47.0 marriages per thousand unmarried
resident males aged 15-49 years in 2022, up from 43.8 in 2012. The rate for females in 2022 was
45.5 marriages per thousand unmarried resident females aged 15-49 years, up from 39.4 a
decade ago.

General Marriage Rate

The rate is defined as the number of marriages registered among persons aged 15-49 years
during the year, out of every thousand unmarried population in the same age group.

Age-Specific Marriage Rate

There was a shift towards later marriages for females in 2022 compared to 2012. Marriage
rates rose for females aged 30 years and over but fell for those aged below 30 years (Chart 4.2).
The peak marriage age group for females in 2022 (30-34 years) was also older than that in 2012
(25-29 years).

On the other hand, marriage rates for males in the peak age group of 30-34 years rose in
2022 but fell for all other age groups, compared to a decade ago.

Chart 4.2 Age-Sex Specific Marriage Rate

Males Females
Per 1,000 Unmarried 2012 Per 1,000 Unmarried 2012
Resident Males Resident Females
150 2022 150 2022

100 100

50 50

0 0
15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49
Age Group (Years) Age Group (Years)

Age-Specific Marriage Rate

It is defined as the number of marriages registered within a specific age group during the year,
out of every thousand unmarried population in the same age group.

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 25

 Median Age at First Marriage

The median age at first marriage for grooms and brides were 30.7 years and 29.3 years
respectively in 2022, up from 30.1 years for grooms and 28.0 years for brides a decade ago.

Over the last decade, the median age at first marriage rose across all educational groups,
except for grooms with secondary and below qualification where it remained unchanged (Chart
4.3).

Among those who registered their marriages in 2022, those with university qualifications
had the highest median age of 31.2 years for first-time grooms and 29.7 years for first-time brides.

Chart 4.3 Median Age at First Marriage of Grooms and Brides by

Educational Qualification

Years 2012 2022

Grooms

30.1 30.7 30.8 30.8 30.5 31.2

29.3 29.8

Total Secondary & Post-Secondary* University

Below
Brides

29.3 28.7 29.7

28.0 28.1 28.6
26.7 27.0

Total Secondary & Post-Secondary* University

Below

* Post-Secondary comprises Post-Secondary (Non-Tertiary) and Diploma & Professional Qualification.

26 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 Marital Dissolutions

There were 7,107 marital dissolutions in 2022, a decrease of 9.9 per cent from the 7,890
granted in the previous year 5 (Chart 4.4).

In tandem with the decline in number of marital dissolutions, the general divorce rates fell
for both males and females in 2022. There were 6.2 marital dissolutions for every thousand
married resident males aged 20 years and over in 2022, down from 7.1 in 2012. Similarly, there
were 5.9 marital dissolutions for every thousand married resident females aged 20 years and over
in 2022, a decrease from 6.7 a decade ago.

Chart 4.4 Total Marital Dissolutions and General Divorce Rate (GDR)

Divorces & Male GDR Per 1,000 Married Resident

('000)
Annulments Female GDR Males/Females Aged 20 Years & Over
10 10

8 8

6 6

4 4

2 2

0 0
2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020 2022

Note: Data on GDR include annulments. From 2004 onwards, data on GDR are based on divorces and
annulments where either or both spouses are residents (i.e. Singapore citizens or permanent
residents).

General Divorce Rate

The rate is defined as the number of divorces and annulments granted to married persons
aged 20 years and over during the year, out of every thousand married population in the same
age group.

Annulment
This refers to the invalidation of a marriage. Parties whose marriages have been annulled are
conferred the status of never having been married to each other.

5 The higher number of marital dissolutions in 2021 relative to other years arose due to more divorce applications filed as well as the
resumption of divorce proceedings that were previously adjourned, following the easing of COVID-19 safe management measures.
Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 27
 Age-Specific Divorce Rate

Although marital dissolutions continued to be more prevalent among younger married

persons, differences across age groups narrowed in 2022, compared to 2012. Divorce rates over
the same period declined among married persons aged below 40 years, especially among younger
males aged 20-29 years, and rose slightly for those aged 45 years and over (Chart 4.5).

Chart 4.5 Age-Sex Specific Divorce Rate

Males Females
Per 1,000 Married Per 1,000 Married
Resident Males Resident Females
40 2012 40 2012

2022 2022
30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0
20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50 & 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50 &
Over Over
Age Group (Years) Age Group (Years)

Age-Specific Divorce Rate

It is defined as the number of divorces and annulments granted to a specific age group during
the year, out of every thousand married population in the same age group.

Marriage Duration of Divorcing Couples

In 2022, the median duration of marriage at divorce was 10.9 years, slightly longer than
that in 2012 (10.3 years). Couples who were married for 5-9 years accounted for the largest share
(28.3 per cent) of all divorces (Chart 4.6). This was followed by those with marriage duration of
10-14 years (18.4 per cent) and less than 5 years (17.5 per cent).

Chart 4.6 Divorces by Duration of Marriage

Per Cent 2012 2022

30.2
28.3

18.4 17.5 18.2 18.4

12.512.3
8.8 8.7 8.4
5.5 6.3 6.4

Under 5 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30 & Over

Duration of Marriage (Years)
Note: Data exclude annulments.

28 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 Chapter 5 Fertility

Births and Fertility Rate

There were 35,605 live-births in 2022, a decrease of 7.9 per cent from the 38,672 live-
births in the previous year (Chart 5.1). Resident births (i.e. births with at least one parent who is
a Singapore citizen or permanent resident) also fell to 32,290 in 2022, a decline of 5.5 per cent
from 34,183 in 2021.

Singapore’s resident total fertility rate (TFR) fell to a historic low at 1.04 births per female
in 2022, from 1.12 births per female in 2021. The decline in 2022 coincided with the year of the
Tiger in the Lunar calendar, which is generally associated with lower births among the Chinese.

Chart 5.1 Live-Births and Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

('000) Per Female

60 3.50
Total Live-Births Resident Live-Births TFR

3.00
50

2.50
40

2.00
30
1.50

20
1.00

10
0.50

0 0.00
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2022
Note: Prior to 1980, data on TFR pertain to total population. From 1980 onwards, data on TFR pertain to resident
population (i.e. Singapore citizens and permanent residents). Data on resident births for 1980-1985 are
estimated.

Live-Births
Statistics on live-births are obtained from records maintained by the Registry of Births and
Deaths. The statistics refer to all live-births occurring within Singapore and its territorial waters
as registered under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act 2021 (RBDA 2021), and are
compiled based on date of occurrence.

Total Fertility Rate

The rate refers to the average number of live-births each female would have during her
reproductive years if she were subject to the prevailing age-specific fertility rates in the
population in a given year. More details are available in the infographic here.

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 29

 Ethnic Differentials in Fertility

Compared to 2021, the 2022 resident TFR fell for Chinese and Indians, and remained
relatively stable for Malays (Chart 5.2). Malays continued to register the highest TFR at 1.83 births
per female in 2022, followed by 1.01 for Indians and 0.87 for Chinese. The TFR of all ethnic
groups remained below the replacement TFR of 2.1 births per female.

Chart 5.2 Total Fertility Rate by Ethnic Group

Per Female
Chinese Zodiac Dragon Year
3.00
Total*

2.50 Chinese
2.20
Malays

2.00 2.03 Indians

1.82 1.83
1.73
1.50

1.04
1.00 1.01
0.87

0.50

0.00
1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2022

* Includes the ethnic group “Others”.

Age-Specific Fertility Rate

Compared to a decade ago, age-specific fertility rates fell for those aged below 35 years
in 2022 and rose for those aged 35-49 years (Chart 5.3). Fertility rate remained the highest among
females aged 30-34 years compared to the other age groups.

Chart 5.3 Age-Specific Fertility Rate

Per 1,000 Females

120
2012

2022
80

40

0
15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49
Age Group (Years)
30 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics
 Births by Birth Order

First and second order births continued to form the largest proportion of total live births in
2022. First-order births rose from 46.3 per cent in 2021 to 47.0 per cent in 2022 while second-
order births fell from 36.3 per cent to 35.1 per cent over the same period (Chart 5.4). The share
of third order birth and fourth and higher order births remained relatively stable at 12.3 per cent
and 5.5 per cent respectively in 2022.

Chart 5.4 Proportion of Births by Birth Order

Per Cent
60

50 1st Birth
47.0

40 2nd Birth
35.1
30

20 3rd Birth
12.3
10
4th & Higher Birth
5.5
0
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2022

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 31

 Number of Children Born

While those with two children continued to account for the largest share among ever-
married resident females aged 40-49 years, the proportion decreased to 41.5 per cent in 2022
compared to 44.2 per cent a decade ago (Chart 5.5).

The share of those with three or more children also saw a decline over the last decade.
Among resident ever-married females aged 40-49 years, the proportion of those with three
children fell from 19.6 per cent in 2012 to 14.7 per cent in 2022, and those with four or more
children fell from 6.2 per cent to 5.0 per cent over the same period.

Correspondingly, the proportion of ever-married females aged 40-49 years who have
never given birth increased from 10.0 per cent in 2012 to 14.4 per cent in 2022, while those with
only one child increased from 20.0 per cent to 24.4 per cent over the same period.

Chart 5.5 Resident Ever-Married Females by Age Group and Number of Children Born

Per Cent 2012 2022

15 – 29 Years 30 – 39 Years

50.9
45.5
34.7 34.6 33.5
28.3 30.8 29.1
25.9
22.0
15.7 15.2
9.7 8.2
5.7 2.9 3.2
4.1

None 1 2 3 or More None 1 2 3 4 or More

Child Children Children Child Children Children Children

40 – 49 Years 50 Years & Over

44.2
41.5 39.3
35.0
24.4 25.5
23.1 21.9
20.0 19.6 17.8
14.4 14.7 12.6 12.6
10.0
6.2 5.0 5.0 7.2

None 1 2 3 4 or More None 1 2 3 4 or More

Child Children Children Children Child Children Children Children

32 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 Average Number of Children Born by Age Group of Females

The average number of children born to ever-married resident females decreased across
all age groups between 2012 and 2022. Among those aged 40-49 years, it fell from 1.94 per
female in 2012 to 1.74 in 2022 (Chart 5.6). A large decrease was also observed among those
aged 50 years and over, from 2.75 in 2012 to 2.26 in 2022.

Chart 5.6 Average Number of Children Born by Age Group of Resident

Ever-Married Females

Per Resident Ever-Married Female 2012 2022

2.75
2.26
1.94
1.74
1.42 1.35
0.80 0.79

15-29 30-39 40-49 50 & Over

Age Group (Years)

Average Number of Children Born by Educational Attainment of Females

In 2022, the average number of children born to ever-married females fell across all levels
of educational attainment as compared to a decade ago, with the exception of those with post-
secondary qualification, where it remained the same (Chart 5.7). Females with higher levels of
qualifications had fewer children on average, compared to their counterparts with lower
educational qualifications. Among resident ever-married females aged 40-49 years in 2022,
university graduates had an average of 1.59 children, lower than the average of 2.02 children
among those with below secondary qualification.

Chart 5.7 Average Number of Children Born to Resident Ever-Married Females

Aged 40-49 Years by Highest Qualification Attained

Per Resident Ever-Married Female

2012 2022

2.16 2.04 1.99

2.02 1.90 1.90 1.78 1.74 1.72 1.59

Below Secondary Post-Secondary Diploma & University

Secondary (Non-Tertiary) Professional
Qualification

Note: Data by highest qualification attained pertain to residents who were not attending educational
institutions as full-time students and include those who were upgrading their qualifications through
part-time courses.

Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 33

 Chapter 6 Mortality

Deaths and Death Rates

Total deaths rose from 24,292 in 2021 to 26,891 in 2022, a 10.7 per cent increase as the
population continued to age (Chart 6.1). Similarly, resident deaths increased by 10.0 per cent
from 23,270 in 2021 to 25,586 in 2022. The larger increases observed in the recent two years
were due to higher mortality rates amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The resident crude death rate
also rose, from 5.8 per 1,000 residents to 6.3 deaths per 1,000 residents over the same period.

The age-standardised death rate 6 which takes into account the population age structure,
increased from 5.6 per 1,000 residents in 2021 to 5.9 per 1,000 residents in 2022. Despite the
increase in recent years, the age-standardised death rate remains on a long-term downward trend,
reflecting the improvements in health and mortality of the population.

Chart 6.1 Deaths, Crude Death Rate and Age-Standardised Death Rate

('000) Per 1,000 Residents

30 30
Total Deaths Crude Death Rate

25 Resident Deaths Age-Standardised Death Rate 25

20 20

15 15

10 10

5 5

0 0
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2022

Note: From 1980 onwards, data on crude death rate and age-standardised death rate pertain to resident
population (i.e. Singapore citizens and permanent residents).

Deaths and Death Rates

Statistics on deaths are obtained from records maintained by the Registry of Births and Deaths.
The statistics refer to all deaths occurring within Singapore and its territorial waters as
registered under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act 2021 (RBDA 2021), and are
compiled based on date of registration.
Crude death rate refers to the number of deaths per thousand population. Age-standardised
death rate is another summary indicator of mortality that removes effects of age structure
variations in the population over time.
More details on death rates are available in the article “Age-Standardised Death Rate for
Singapore” in the Statistics Singapore Newsletter, September 2015.

6 The Singapore resident population as at June 2020 is used as the standard population to fix the age structure and

eliminate its effect on mortality trends.

34 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

 Age-Specific Death Rate

In general, resident females had lower death rates than resident males (Chart 6.2).
Compared to a decade ago, the age-specific death rates were lower for most age groups in 2022
for both for resident males and females. The higher age-specific death rates at the older age
groups in 2022 was due to more deaths at the older ages during the COVID-19 pandemic 7.

Chart 6.2 Age-Specific Death Rate

Per 1,000 Residents
250
Males, 2012
200 Males, 2022
Females, 2012
150
Females, 2022
100

50

0
Under 5-9 15-19 25-29 35-39 45-49 55-59 65-69 75-79 85-89 90 &
1* Over
Age Group (Years)
* Refers to infant mortality rate.

Infant Mortality Rate

The infant mortality rate remained stable over the last decade, at 1.8 infant deaths per
1,000 resident live-births in 2012 and 2022 (Chart 6.3).

Chart 6.3 Infant Mortality Rate

Per 1,000 Resident Births
25
20.5 Males
20
Total
15 Females

10
5
1.8 1.8
0
1970 1980 1990 2000 2012 2022
Note: From 1980 onwards, data on infant mortality rate pertain to resident population (i.e. Singapore citizens and
permanent residents).

Infant Mortality Rate

The rate refers to the number of deaths of children under one year of age per thousand
live-births. Along with life expectancy, it is one of the most widely used indicators of the population’s
health status.
More details on infant mortality rate are available in the article “Trends in Infant Mortality Rate and
Related Indicators” published in the Statistics Singapore Newsletter Issue 1, 2019.

7 For more information, please refer to https://www.moh.gov.sg/resources-statistics/reports/report-on-excess-mortality-

during-the-covid-19-pandemic-up-to-june-2022
Singapore Department of Statistics Population Trends, 2023 ► 35
 Life Expectancy

Life expectancy at birth of Singapore residents was 83.0 years in 2022, a decline of 0.2
years from 83.2 years in 2021 (Chart 6.4). Compared with the pre-COVID life expectancy of 83.7
years in 2019, life expectancy at birth decreased by 0.7 years over two consecutive declines in
2021 and 2022. Nonetheless, life expectancy at birth of Singapore residents still improved by 0.9
years over the last decade, from 82.1 years in 2012. Females continued to have longer life
expectancy than males, with a gap of 4.5 years between both sexes in 2022.

Life expectancy at age 65 years increased 0.5 years over the last ten years, from 20.2
years in 2012 to 20.7 years in 2022. It however declined 0.2 years from 20.9 years in 2021. Similar
trends were observed for both males and females.

Chart 6.4 Life Expectancy of Resident Population

At Birth At Age 65 Years

Years Years
90 30

85.9
86 85.5 26
85.2
84.3 Females
83.7
83.2 83.0 23.0 22.6 22.3
82.1 Total 21.7
82 22 21.4 Females
20.9 20.7
Males 20.2 Total
81.4 80.8 80.7
79.8 19.5 Males
78 18 19.1 19.0
18.4

74 14
2012 2019 2022p 2012 2019 2022p

p: Preliminary

Life Expectancy
It refers to the average number of additional years that persons (at birth or specific age such
as age 65 years) might expect to live, if the current age-specific mortality rates were held
constant over their lifetime. It does not take into account future changes in mortality. The
derived life expectancies give an indication of the average longevity of the population, but do
not necessarily reflect the longevity of an individual.

This single indicator is commonly used to sum up the mortality experience of a population,
taking into account the population’s age and sex structure.

As the life expectancy data for 2020 to 2022 assumes that the higher mortality rates due to the
pandemic apply throughout a lifetime, they may not be representative of the number of years
individuals can expect to live, if mortality rates were to return to pre-pandemic levels.

More details on life expectancy are available in the publication “Complete Life Tables for
Singapore Resident Population, 2021-2022”.

36 ◄ Population Trends, 2023 Singapore Department of Statistics

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Cover images courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board
iStock.com/morpheuse Images
 PROJECT TEAM
Senior Assistant Directors Mr Hong Renting

Ms Cai Jialin

Assistant Directors Ms Wong Mun Mun

Ms Joanne Tan

Mr Jason Tan

Statistician Ms Erica Ngan

Lead Manager Ms Yeo Yen Fang

Senior Managers Ms Seet Ming Lee

Mr Wong Kwok Wing

Ms Kalavathy d/o Jayaram

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