South Africa Population living in slums 2026: 23.64 %
South Africa's population living in slums in 2026 is 23.64 % (estimate), down 0.6% from 2025. It ranks #75 of 196 countries.
This statistic measures the percentage of a country's population living in slums, highlighting urban poverty and living conditions. Understanding slum populations is crucial for addressing housing challenges and improving the quality of life.
Estimated value for 2026 (interpolated, no direct source).
Where South Africa ranks (2026)
#75 of 196- #73
Honduras25.84% - #74
Venezuela25.03% - #75
South Africa23.64% - #76
Papua New Guinea23.07% - #77
North Korea23.04%
Population living in slums over timeSome values are estimated based on historical trends
| Year | Value | Change | % Change | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23.64 % | 0.13 % | -0.55% | |
| 2025 | 23.77 % | 0.09 % | -0.39% | |
| 2024 | 23.86 % | 0.09 % | -0.39% | |
| 2023 | 23.96 % | 0.24 % | -1.01% | |
| 2022 | 24.2 % | 0 % | 0.00% | |
| 2021 | 24.2 % | 0 % | 0.00% | |
| 2020 | 24.2 % | +0.01 % | +0.04% | |
| 2019 | 24.19 % | +0.01 % | +0.04% | |
| 2018 | 24.18 % | 0.19 % | -0.78% | |
| 2017 | 24.37 % | 0.19 % | -0.78% | |
| 2016 | 24.56 % | 0.19 % | -0.77% | |
| 2015 | 24.75 % | 0.19 % | -0.76% | |
| 2014 | 24.94 % | 0.19 % | -0.76% | |
| 2013 | 25.13 % | 0.19 % | -0.75% | |
| 2012 | 25.32 % | 0.19 % | -0.75% | |
| 2011 | 25.52 % | 0.19 % | -0.74% | |
| 2010 | 25.71 % | 0.19 % | -0.74% | |
| 2009 | 25.9 % | 0.19 % | -0.73% | |
| 2008 | 26.09 % | 0.19 % | -0.72% | |
| 2007 | 26.28 % | 0.19 % | -0.72% | |
| 2006 | 26.47 % | 0.19 % | -0.71% | |
| 2005 | 26.66 % | 0.19 % | -0.71% | |
| 2004 | 26.85 % | 0.19 % | -0.70% | |
| 2003 | 27.04 % | 0.19 % | -0.70% | |
| 2002 | 27.23 % | 0.19 % | -0.69% | |
| 2001 | 27.42 % | 0.19 % | -0.69% | |
| 2000 | 27.61 % | — | — |
Cite this page
Geo Factbook. (n.d.). South Africa: Population living in slums. Retrieved November 13, 2026, from https://geofactbook.com/countries/south-africa/population-living-in-slums
The figures on this page come from UN Habitat. For academic work, cite the original source as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Africa Population living in slums
What is South Africa's population living in slums in 2026?▾
South Africa's population living in slums is 23.64 % in 2026 (estimate), according to UN Habitat.
Is South Africa's population living in slums increasing or decreasing?▾
South Africa's population living in slums fell by 0.6% from 2025 (23.77 %) to 2026 (23.64 %). Over the past decade (2016–2026) it fell by 3.8%.
How does South Africa rank for population living in slums?▾
In 2026, South Africa has the 75th highest population living in slums out of 196 countries with data.
What was South Africa's population living in slums in 2000?▾
In 2000, South Africa's population living in slums was 27.61 %. By 2026 it fell by 14.4%.
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