Lower middle income Population 2026

As of 2025, the population in World Bank-defined lower middle income economies stands at approximately 3,120,980,912 people. This represents a 1.26% increase from the previous year, reflecting ongoing demographic expansion in these countries. The region has sustained a 10-year average growth rate of 1.37%, indicating steady population momentum.

Population
3,120,980,912
Estimate for 2026
1-year growth
+1.26%
10-year avg growth
+1.37%

Population Trend

Overview

Lower middle income economies encompass a large and diverse group of nations that house over 3.1 billion people as of 2025, making them the most populous income classification globally. This aggregate includes many countries in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Latin America and Southeast Asia, where economic development is progressing but incomes remain modest. The annual growth rate of 1.26% in 2025 aligns with typical patterns in this income tier, where fertility rates are generally higher than in upper middle or high income countries but declining from earlier peaks.

FAQ

What is the population of lower middle income countries in 2025?
The population of lower middle income economies is 3,120,980,912 as of 2025.
How fast is the lower middle income population growing?
The 1-year growth rate for 2025 is 1.26%, with a 10-year average of 1.37%.
What does 'lower middle income' mean for population statistics?
It is a World Bank classification of economies with per capita incomes typically between $1,046 and $4,095 (as of 2023), and their collective population is tracked as an aggregate.
Which regions are included in lower middle income economies?
These economies are largely in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Southeast Asia and Latin America, including countries such as India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Why is the lower middle income population important?
This group accounts for over 3.1 billion people, making it the largest income classification; its demographic trends significantly influence global population patterns and economic development.

Data sources & terms