Jamaica has experienced moderate population growth over the past several decades, though the rate has slowed in recent years. In the mid-20th century, Jamaica's population grew rapidly due to high birth rates, but since the 1980s, growth has decelerated as fertility rates declined and emigration increased. As of 2024, Jamaica's population is estimated to be around 2.8 million people. The country faces challenges related to a relatively high rate of outward migration, particularly among young adults seeking better economic opportunities abroad, which affects the natural growth rate. Additionally, Jamaica's population is gradually aging, with a rising proportion of elderly citizens, which has implications for the nation's labor force and social services in the coming decades.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 1,384,550 | 127.8 |
| 1955 | 1,488,805 | 137.5 |
| 1960 | 1,631,784 | 150.7 |
| 1965 | 1,777,397 | 164.1 |
| 1970 | 1,943,787 | 179.5 |
| 1975 | 2,104,879 | 194.3 |
| 1980 | 2,228,803 | 205.8 |
| 1985 | 2,358,892 | 217.8 |
| 1990 | 2,471,217 | 228.2 |
| 1995 | 2,645,003 | 244.2 |
| 2000 | 2,810,680 | 259.5 |
| 2005 | 2,853,053 | 263.4 |
| 2010 | 2,838,638 | 262.1 |
| 2015 | 2,815,763 | 260 |
| 2020 | 2,815,048 | 259.9 |
| 2022 | 2,818,596 | 260.2 |
| 2023 | 2,820,982 | 260.5 |
| 2024 | 2,823,713 | 260.7 |
| 2025 | 2,826,742 | 261 |
| 2030 | 2,845,660 | 262.7 |
| 2035 | 2,869,074 | 264.9 |
| 2040 | 2,896,357 | 267.4 |
| 2045 | 2,929,345 | 270.5 |
| 2050 | 2,972,457 | 274.4 |
| 2055 | 3,019,597 | 278.8 |
| 2060 | 3,061,362 | 282.6 |
| 2065 | 3,097,856 | 286 |
| 2070 | 3,128,444 | 288.8 |
| 2075 | 3,152,136 | 291 |
| 2080 | 3,167,908 | 292.5 |
| 2085 | 3,175,011 | 293.1 |
| 2090 | 3,173,163 | 293 |
| 2095 | 3,162,648 | 292 |
| 2100 | 3,144,114 | 290.3 |
Data from US Census International Database