Rank #46 by World Population
🇨🇷Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a population of 5,105,525, ranking #46 in the world. The capital is San Jose. Located in Latin America & Caribbean .
World Bank: High income
5,105,525
Population
#46
World Rank
80.8
Life Expectancy
$16,942
GDP Per Capita
Costa Rica, #46 by world population
Costa Rica Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Costa Rica had a population of 1,327,496 in 1960 and 5,129,910 in 2024, a 3.9× growth over 64 years. The peak was 5,129,910 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.14%.
5,129,910
Population (2024)
1,327,496
Population (1960)
5,129,910
Peak (2024)
2.14%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 1,327,496 |
| 1961 | 1,377,920 |
| 1962 | 1,429,445 |
| 1963 | 1,481,604 |
| 1964 | 1,533,960 |
| 1965 | 1,586,208 |
| 1966 | 1,638,116 |
| 1967 | 1,689,523 |
| 1968 | 1,739,731 |
| 1969 | 1,789,276 |
| 1970 | 1,838,949 |
| 1971 | 1,888,539 |
| 1972 | 1,938,248 |
| 1973 | 1,988,343 |
| 1974 | 2,039,643 |
| 1975 | 2,092,719 |
| 1976 | 2,147,774 |
| 1977 | 2,205,025 |
| 1978 | 2,264,510 |
| 1979 | 2,326,490 |
| 1980 | 2,390,633 |
| 1981 | 2,456,637 |
| 1982 | 2,524,806 |
| 1983 | 2,595,153 |
| 1984 | 2,667,595 |
| 1985 | 2,741,894 |
| 1986 | 2,817,216 |
| 1987 | 2,892,699 |
| 1988 | 2,968,103 |
| 1989 | 3,043,827 |
| 1990 | 3,121,706 |
| 1991 | 3,202,176 |
| 1992 | 3,284,258 |
| 1993 | 3,367,434 |
| 1994 | 3,451,122 |
| 1995 | 3,535,176 |
| 1996 | 3,619,013 |
| 1997 | 3,701,711 |
| 1998 | 3,782,838 |
| 1999 | 3,862,101 |
| 2000 | 3,937,739 |
| 2001 | 4,008,947 |
| 2002 | 4,075,705 |
| 2003 | 4,138,784 |
| 2004 | 4,200,078 |
| 2005 | 4,261,240 |
| 2006 | 4,321,340 |
| 2007 | 4,380,248 |
| 2008 | 4,440,056 |
| 2009 | 4,499,791 |
| 2010 | 4,555,962 |
| 2011 | 4,609,833 |
| 2012 | 4,663,934 |
| 2013 | 4,716,147 |
| 2014 | 4,767,119 |
| 2015 | 4,818,038 |
| 2016 | 4,866,998 |
| 2017 | 4,913,177 |
| 2018 | 4,957,818 |
| 2019 | 4,999,553 |
| 2020 | 5,034,320 |
| 2021 | 5,059,988 |
| 2022 | 5,081,765 |
| 2023 | 5,105,525 |
| 2024 | 5,129,910 |
Demographics
| Population | 5,105,525 |
| Population Growth Rate | 0.47% |
| Urban Population | 78.9% |
| Fertility Rate | 1.33 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 80.8 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 8.8 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | - |
Economy & Trade
$16,942
GDP Per Capita
8.3%
Unemployment Rate
High income
Income Level
46.7
Gini Index (inequality)
72.5%
Trade (% of GDP)
1,146,500
Tourism Arrivals
Health & Education
6.9%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
2.69
Physicians per 1,000
5.3%
Education Expenditure (% GDP)
8.8
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
100.0%
Electricity Access
82.6%
Internet Users
141
Mobile Subs per 100
100.0
People per km2
995
Net Migration
Environment
60.4%
Forest Area
Costa Rica Climate
Costa Rica has an average annual temperature of 19°C (66°F) and receives about 2450 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is April and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
19°C
Avg Temp
2450
Precip (mm/yr)
Apr
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 19° / 65° | 29 mm |
| February | 19° / 66° | 21 mm |
| March | 20° / 67° | 33 mm |
| April | 20° / 68° | 96 mm |
| May | 20° / 67° | 303 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 308 mm |
| July | 19° / 67° | 223 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 303 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 395 mm |
| October | 19° / 65° | 423 mm |
| November | 18° / 65° | 236 mm |
| December | 18° / 65° | 80 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Costa Rica
The most comfortable months to visit Costa Rica are typically March, February and January, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is April (around 26°C high). The coldest is December (near 13°C low). October is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near San Jose
Planning a trip to San Jose? Compare hotels and short-term rentals — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near San Jose
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to San Jose?
Get climate tips and the best lodging deals for San Jose by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Other Countries in Latin America & Caribbean
Costa Rica in global context
Costa Rica is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica has a population of 5,105,525, ranking #46 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 0.47%.
Life expectancy in Costa Rica is 80.8 years. The infant mortality rate is 8.8 per 1,000 live births.
Costa Rica's GDP per capita is $16,942. It is classified as a high income country by the World Bank.
78.9% of Costa Rica's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 100.0 people per square kilometer.
Literacy data for Costa Rica is available from the World Bank.
The most comfortable months to visit Costa Rica are typically March, February and January, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Costa Rica has an average annual temperature of 19°C and about 2450 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically April and the coldest is December.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
With 5,105,525 residents, Costa Rica is a country in Latin America & Caribbean . Population growth is modest, around 0.5% a year.
Costa Rica is a high-income economy, with GDP per capita of about $16,942. Life expectancy is high at 80.8 years, with a fertility rate of 1.3 births per woman, and 78.9% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.