Population and demographics

Malta's population has grown faster than any other EU member state's over the past decade, driven almost entirely by net migration of workers from EU and non-EU countries. The figures below are the official statistics transmitted by the National Statistics Office to Eurostat; each shows its reference date.

Growth and migration

The population passed 500,000 in the early 2020s and stood at about 574,000 on 1 January 2025. Natural change (births minus deaths) is close to zero, so growth comes from net migration of around 10,000–14,000 people a year. Non-Maltese citizens make up roughly three in ten residents.

Age structure

The median age is about 40 and the old-age dependency ratio is lower than the EU average because of the young working-age migrant population; the Maltese-citizen population alone is older.

Households

The average household has 2.4 people. Home ownership is high among Maltese households, while most foreign residents rent, which is why rental demand concentrates in the harbour towns.

Population by locality

The table below lists the localities for which a sourced population figure is on record; figures are added as they are verified against the NSO Census 2021 and later estimates. Localities with the largest populations are St Paul's Bay, Birkirkara, Mosta and Sliema.

Trends

Projections depend on migration policy and labour demand; the NSO and the Central Bank publish projections. Historical charts are available from the NSO StatDB.