Shifting Demographics in Shandong Province Population: Trends, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Shifting Demographics in Shandong Province: Trends, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Shifting Demographics in Shandong Province: Trends, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Shandong Province, located in eastern China, is one of the most populous regions in the country. Over the years, its population has experienced both growth and decline, reflecting broader demographic trends in China. According to recent statistics, at the beginning of 2025, Shandong’s resident population stood at approximately 100.8 million. This figure marks a slight decrease compared to previous years, indicating a shift in population dynamics.
In the past, Shandong’s population consistently ranked second among all Chinese provinces. For instance, at the start of 2024, the registered population was about 101.5 million, while the resident population was slightly lower. This difference between registered and resident populations is common in China, as many people move for work or study. Notably, the province covers an area of 157,900 square kilometers, resulting in a population density of around 672 people per square kilometer. Such density is much higher than the national average, which highlights the region’s economic and social significance.
Over the last few years, Shandong has seen a gradual decline in its population. For example, at the end of 2023, the resident population was 101.2 million, but by early 2025, it had dropped to 100.8 million. This trend is partly due to a negative natural growth rate. In 2024, the birth rate was 6.42 per thousand, while the death rate reached 8.09 per thousand. Consequently, the natural growth rate was -1.67 per thousand, meaning that deaths outnumbered births. This pattern has persisted for several years, as the birth rate continues to fall and the death rate rises slightly.
Furthermore, the age structure of Shandong’s population is changing. In 2024, about 18 million people were aged 0-15, while nearly 24.8 million were over 60 years old. The working-age population, those between 16 and 59, accounted for about 57.8 million. As a result, the proportion of elderly residents is increasing, which poses challenges for social services and healthcare. Meanwhile, the number of births has declined, with only 649,000 babies born in 2024, compared to over 750,000 just a few years earlier.
Despite these demographic challenges, Shandong remains a vibrant province. Its urbanization rate has steadily increased, reaching 66.48% by the end of 2024. This means that more than two-thirds of the population now live in cities, which has important implications for economic development and infrastructure planning. Additionally, the gender balance is relatively stable, with males making up about 51% of the population and females 49%.
In summary, Shandong Province’s population is undergoing significant changes. While it remains one of China’s most populous regions, the recent decline in population and the aging demographic structure present new challenges. Nevertheless, the province’s high urbanization rate and economic strength provide a solid foundation for future development. As demographic trends continue to evolve, Shandong will need to adapt its policies to ensure sustainable growth and social stability.
More population information please check:2025 Shandong province Population Data and Population Census data and AGE PYRAMID - ChinaCensus-ChinaCensus

reference content2025年山东省人口常住户籍有多少和第七次人口普查数据-红黑人口库