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United Kingdom: Rural population (% of total population)

In , United Kingdom's Rural population (% of total population) was 16.76.

That's down 0.5% from 2023, the highest value since .

The global average for this indicator in 2024 was 37.13 . United Kingdom ranks #168 globally out of 217 reporting countries. Within Europe & Central Asia, it ranks #44 of 58.

Source: World Bank Open Data (SP.RUR.TOTL.ZS) • Data as of 2024

Trend (2005–2024)

United Kingdom Rural population (% of total population) trend 2020: COVID-19 pandemic
  • 2020 · COVID-19 pandemic

Highlights

Peak
19.55
Trough
16.76
1-year change
-0.5%
5-year change
-3.3%
-0.7% / yr
10-year change
-8.8%
-0.9% / yr

Historical Data — Last 10 Years

Year Rural population (% of total population)
16.7570
16.8398
16.9246
17.0114
17.1000
17.3301
17.5534
17.7693
17.9770
18.1756

About Rural population (% of total population)

Rural population refers to people living in rural areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated as the difference between total population and urban population.

Indicator code: SP.RUR.TOTL.ZSCategory: Health & Population

Frequently asked questions

What was United Kingdom's Rural population (% of total population) in 2024?
In 2024, United Kingdom's Rural population (% of total population) was 16.76, according to World Bank Open Data.
Is United Kingdom's Rural population (% of total population) rising or falling?
United Kingdom's Rural population (% of total population) fell 0.5% from 2023 to 2024.
How does United Kingdom rank globally on Rural population (% of total population)?
In 2024, United Kingdom ranked #168 out of 217 countries reporting Rural population (% of total population).
How does United Kingdom's Rural population (% of total population) compare to the world average?
The global average for Rural population (% of total population) in 2024 was 37.13, so United Kingdom is below the world average. Within Europe & Central Asia, it ranks #44 of 58.
What is Rural population (% of total population) and how is it measured?
Rural population refers to people living in rural areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated as the difference between total population and urban population.
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Source: World Bank Open Data (SP.RUR.TOTL.ZS), CC BY 4.0.