Puerto Rico (US) Population 2026

Overview

Puerto Rico’s population has experienced a prolonged contraction over the past decade, with an average annual growth rate of -1.12% from 2015 to 2025. This decline is largely driven by net outmigration to the mainland United States, combined with a low birth rate and an aging demographic profile. The territory’s population has fallen from approximately 3.7 million in 2010 to the current 3.2 million, reflecting a loss of nearly 500,000 residents over 15 years. The 1-year growth rate of -0.02% in 2025 suggests the rate of decline is slowing, but the population remains in a long-term downward trend.

Within the Latin America & Caribbean region, Puerto Rico is an outlier due to its high-income status and its status as an unincorporated U.S. territory. Most neighboring countries in the region have younger, faster-growing populations, while Puerto Rico’s demographic trajectory more closely resembles that of developed nations with low fertility and high emigration. The 10-year average decline of -1.12% is among the steepest in the region, comparable only to other Caribbean islands facing similar emigration pressures, such as Jamaica and Haiti, though those countries have different income levels.

The population density of Puerto Rico remains relatively high at roughly 360 people per square kilometer, but the ongoing decline has led to abandoned housing, school closures, and a shrinking labor force. Economic factors, including the territory’s debt crisis and the impact of hurricanes, have accelerated outmigration, particularly among working-age adults. The high-income classification reflects a GDP per capita above the regional average, but the demographic shrinkage poses challenges for sustaining public services and economic growth.

Looking ahead, the population is projected to continue declining, albeit at a slower pace, as the remaining population ages and fertility rates remain below replacement level. The 2025 figure of 3,203,295 serves as a baseline for monitoring future demographic shifts, with policy interventions such as tax incentives and disaster recovery efforts aiming to stem the outflow. Without significant changes in migration patterns, the population may fall below 3 million by the mid-2030s.

Key Facts

• Puerto Rico’s population in 2025 is 3,203,295, ranking 134th globally.
• The 1-year growth rate for 2025 is -0.02%, indicating near-zero decline.
• Over the past 10 years, the average annual growth rate has been -1.12%.
• Puerto Rico is classified as a high-income economy in the Latin America & Caribbean region.
• The territory’s population has decreased by more than 500,000 since 2010 due to emigration and low birth rates.
• The 10-year average decline of -1.12% is one of the highest in the Caribbean region.