The population growth of the Marshall Islands has been relatively modest in recent decades. As of 2024, the estimated population is around 42,000 people. The islands have experienced slow growth due to factors such as limited economic opportunities, high emigration rates—particularly to the United States under the Compact of Free Association—and a relatively high birth rate offset by out-migration. While the natural increase (births minus deaths) remains positive, the overall population growth is tempered by the significant number of Marshallese seeking better education, healthcare, and employment abroad. This dynamic has led to a stable but slowly increasing population, with concerns about sustainability and the impacts of climate change influencing future demographic trends.
Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
---|---|---|
1950 | 10,904 | 60.2 |
1955 | 12,840 | 70.9 |
1960 | 15,120 | 83.5 |
1965 | 17,805 | 98.4 |
1970 | 21,714 | 120 |
1975 | 26,423 | 146 |
1980 | 30,681 | 169.5 |
1985 | 38,240 | 211.3 |
1990 | 45,828 | 253.2 |
1995 | 49,639 | 274.2 |
2000 | 53,066 | 293.2 |
2005 | 59,062 | 326.3 |
2010 | 65,768 | 363.4 |
2015 | 72,028 | 397.9 |
2020 | 77,741 | 429.5 |
2022 | 79,906 | 441.5 |
2023 | 80,966 | 447.3 |
2024 | 82,011 | 453.1 |
2025 | 83,037 | 458.8 |
2030 | 88,030 | 486.4 |
2035 | 92,725 | 512.3 |
2040 | 96,929 | 535.5 |
2045 | 100,480 | 555.1 |
2050 | 103,319 | 570.8 |
2055 | 105,490 | 582.8 |
2060 | 107,001 | 591.2 |
2065 | 107,790 | 595.5 |
2070 | 107,774 | 595.4 |
2075 | 106,936 | 590.8 |
2080 | 105,337 | 582 |
2085 | 103,064 | 569.4 |
2090 | 100,168 | 553.4 |
2095 | 96,638 | 533.9 |
2100 | 92,479 | 510.9 |
Data from US Census International Database