Singapore's Population Trends: Growth, Aging, and Marriage Patterns in 2025
As of June 2025, Singapore's population reached 6.11 million, marking a 1.2% increase over the past year. According to the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD), this growth is primarily attributed to the rise in the non-resident population. The Population in Brief 2025 report also highlights ongoing trends of rapid aging and a growing number of Singaporeans remaining single.
Population Growth and Composition
The non-resident population, including work permit holders in the construction sector and domestic helpers, significantly contributed to the overall population increase. As of June 2025, Singapore had 3.66 million citizens and 0.54 million permanent residents (PRs). The remaining 1.91 million consisted of non-residents, with foreign workers making up approximately two-thirds and domestic helpers, dependants, and students comprising the other third.
Singapore's annualised population growth rate over the past five years was 1.5%, a notable increase from the 0.5% recorded between 2015 and 2020. This surge is primarily due to the need for work permit holders to support major infrastructure projects like Changi Terminal 5 and the expansion of housing supply.
Citizen Births and Fertility Rate
In 2024, there were 29,237 citizen births, representing a 1.2% increase from the 28,877 births in 2023. Despite this slight increase, Singapore's resident total fertility rate remained unchanged at 0.97, a figure that has been a concern for demographers.
Changing Demographics: Aging and Marital Trends
Singapore's population is aging rapidly. The median age of citizens rose to 43.7 years in June 2025, up from 43.4 years in June 2024. Simultaneously, the proportion of citizens aged 65 and above increased from 19.9% in 2024 to 20.7% in 2025. Furthermore, fewer Singaporeans are getting married.
In 2024, there were 22,955 citizen marriages, a 5.7% decrease compared to the 24,355 marriages in 2023. The median age at first marriage is also increasing, with men marrying at 30.8 years in 2024, compared to 30.1 a decade prior, and women marrying at 29.1 years, compared to 27.9 in 2014. The report indicates a rising proportion of singles across almost all age groups, particularly among younger adults.
Shrinking Family Sizes
Alongside later marriages, Singaporean families are becoming smaller. The share of Singaporean women aged 40 to 49 with only one child increased from 15.9% in 2004 to 22.8% in 2024. The proportion of women in this age group with three or more children fell from 34.5% to 20.6% during the same period, while the proportion with no children doubled.
Government Initiatives and Expert Perspectives
To address these demographic shifts, the government introduced the Large Families Scheme, offering additional financial support for third and subsequent citizen children. Families with three or more Singaporean children aged one to six receive credits to defray household expenses.
Nanyang Technological University assistant professor of sociology Shannon Ang highlighted the implications of the low fertility rate, emphasizing the need for migrant workers to support the aging population. He cautioned that increased immigration could potentially lead to social tensions and anti-immigration sentiment.
