Compare
Guangzhou vs Shenzhen: population and economy compared
Search and add up to five provinces, cities or counties, then compare population, area, density, urbanization and economic indicators side by side.
| Indicator | Guangzhou | Shenzhen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic data | |||
| Resident population | 19,101,000 people2025 | 18,248,500 people2025 | +4.7% |
| Registered (hukou) population | 10,911,400 people2025 | 6,310,100 people2024 | +72.9% |
| Area | 7,436 km² | 1,997 km² | +272.3% |
| Population density | 2,568.7 people/km²2025 | 9,135.8 people/km²2025 | -71.9% |
| Urbanization rate | 87.6%2025 | 99.8%2025 | -12.3% |
| Urban population | —2025 | 18,209,600 people2025 | — |
| Rural population | —2025 | 38,900 people2025 | — |
| Male population | 5,207,783 people2025 | 3,536,100 people2025 | +47.3% |
| Female population | 5,358,287 people2025 | 2,774,000 people2025 | +93.2% |
| Households | 3,476,265.002025 | —2025 | — |
| Economy and income | |||
| GDP | $445.6B2025 | $538.7B2025 | -17.3% |
| GDP per capita | $23,3292025 | $29,5202025 | -21.0% |
| GDP growth | 4.0%2025 | 5.5%2025 | -27.3% |
| Primary industry | $4.4B2025 | $390.0M2025 | +1,030.6% |
| Secondary industry | $107.2B2025 | $201.4B2025 | -46.8% |
| Tertiary industry | $334.0B2025 | $336.9B2025 | -0.9% |
| Urban disposable income | $11,9712025 | $11,8142025 | +1.3% |
| Rural disposable income | $6,0012025 | —2025 | — |
| Urban disposable income · Change | 3.2% | 4.7% | -31.9% |
| Rural disposable income · Change | 5.5% | — | — |
| Latest annual data | |||
| Year | 2025 | 2025 | — |
| Births | 108,000 people2025 | —2025 | — |
| Deaths | 55,600 people2025 | —2025 | — |
| Birth rate | 9.97 ‰2025 | —2025 | — |
| Death rate | 5.14 ‰2025 | —2025 | — |
| Natural growth rate | 4.83 ‰2025 | —2025 | — |
| Age structure | |||
| Census data | |||
| Census year | Seventh census | Seventh census | — |
| Total population | 18,676,605 people | 17,494,398 people | +6.8% |
| Urban population | 16,096,724 people | 17,444,609 people | -7.7% |
| Urbanization rate | 86.2% | 99.7% | -13.6% |
| Male population | 9,866,005 people | 9,629,111 people | +2.5% |
| Female population | 8,810,600 people | 7,865,287 people | +12.0% |
| Sex ratio (male per 100 female) | 112.0 | 122.4 | -8.5% |
| Minority population share | 3.1% | 6.2% | -50.4% |
| Households | 7,185,023.00 | 6,406,899.00 | +12.1% |
| Household population | 15,977,731 people | 14,422,407 people | +10.8% |
| Average household size | 2.2 | 2.3 | -1.3% |
Source: Guangzhou 2025年广州市国民经济和社会发展统计公报 (户籍) · Shenzhen 深圳市2025年国民经济和社会发展统计公报
Population history
Data summary
Difference
- Guangzhou: Resident population 19,101,000 people, Population density 2,568.7 people/km², Urbanization rate 87.6%, GDP $445.6B
- Shenzhen: Resident population 18,248,500 people, Population density 9,135.8 people/km², Urbanization rate 99.8%, GDP $538.7B
Resident population Difference: 852,500 (+4.7%)
Population density Difference: 6,567.1 people/km²
Urbanization rate Difference: 12.2%
GDP Difference: $93.1B
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Guangzhou?
The resident population of Guangzhou was 19,101,000 people in 2025. This figure refers to people living in the area for more than six months, unless the source states otherwise.
How densely populated is Guangzhou?
The population density is 2,568.7 people per square kilometre, based on a land area of 7,436 km².
What is the population of Shenzhen?
The resident population of Shenzhen was 18,248,500 people in 2025. This figure refers to people living in the area for more than six months, unless the source states otherwise.
How densely populated is Shenzhen?
The population density is 9,135.8 people per square kilometre, based on a land area of 1,997 km².