Macau’s total population reached 688,300 by the end of 2024, marking a 0.7% increase, according to data from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). This growth was largely fueled by the addition of 4,900 non-resident workers, reflecting the city’s ongoing reliance on foreign labor to sustain its economy, particularly in the gaming and hospitality industries.
Women continue to outnumber men in Macau, making up 53.7% of the population, while men account for 46.3%. The city's age distribution highlights a shrinking younger population, with 12.5% aged 0-14 years, while the elderly (65 and older) now represent 14.6%, signaling potential long-term labor challenges for Macau’s casino workforce.
Despite the overall population increase, the local population declined by 0.4% to 568,700 due to higher net emigration compared to natural growth. Meanwhile, households increased to 205,000, and birth rates fell to 5.3 per thousand, alongside a declining mortality rate of 3.6 per thousand.
In terms of migration, 3,677 individuals arrived from mainland China on one-way permits, while 1,074 people were granted the right of abode, primarily from Hong Kong. Marriage registrations saw a slight increase to 3,187, while the divorce rate rose to 2.0 per thousand.
As Macau continues to evolve as Asia’s premier gaming destination, its demographic trends reflect the industry's expansion and challenges, from labor shortages to shifting workforce dynamics. With more investment in integrated resorts and a steady influx of foreign workers, Macau remains at the heart of the region’s gaming and hospitality sector.
