South Africa Prison Population Rate 2025: 260 per 100,000
South Africa's prison population rate in 2025 is 260 per 100,000, up 0.4% from 2020. It ranks #14 of 57 countries.
Explore prison population rate per 100,000 people; measure incarceration levels across countries and understand justice system trends.
Source (2025): Prison population rate | Our World in Data
Prison Population Rate over time
| Year | Value | Change | % Change | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 260 per 100,000 | +1 per 100,000 | +0.39% | |
| 2020 | 259 per 100,000 | 27 per 100,000 | -9.44% | |
| 2018 | 286 per 100,000 | 5 per 100,000 | -1.72% | |
| 2016 | 291 per 100,000 | +3 per 100,000 | +1.04% | |
| 2014 | 288 per 100,000 | 22 per 100,000 | -7.10% | |
| 2012 | 310 per 100,000 | 18 per 100,000 | -5.49% | |
| 2010 | 328 per 100,000 | 14 per 100,000 | -4.09% | |
| 2008 | 342 per 100,000 | +24 per 100,000 | +7.55% | |
| 2006 | 318 per 100,000 | 85 per 100,000 | -21.09% | |
| 2004 | 403 per 100,000 | +7 per 100,000 | +1.77% | |
| 2002 | 396 per 100,000 | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions About South Africa Prison Population Rate
What is South Africa's prison population rate in 2025?▾
South Africa's prison population rate is 260 per 100,000 in 2025, according to Prison population rate | Our World in Data.
Is South Africa's prison population rate increasing or decreasing?▾
South Africa's prison population rate rose by 0.4% from 2020 (259 per 100,000) to 2025 (260 per 100,000).
How does South Africa rank for prison population rate?▾
In 2025, South Africa has the 14th highest prison population rate out of 57 countries with data.
What was South Africa's prison population rate in 2002?▾
In 2002, South Africa's prison population rate was 396 per 100,000. By 2025 it fell by 34.3%.
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