Kowloon to record fastest population growth

Kowloon will experience faster population growth than both the New Territories and Hong Kong Island over the next 10 years, according to the latest projection results contained in a Planning Department report published today (October 26).

The report, 'Projections of Population Distribution, 2004-2013', reveals that Kowloon's population will increase by 12% to reach 2.27 million, taking up about 31% of the total population in 2013 compared with 30% in 2003.

Within the New Territories, the population in the New Towns will increase by 8% to reach 3.40 million in 2013, still accounting for 46% of the total population.

The population in other areas of the New Territories will grow much faster, by 27%, although it will represent just 6% of the total population. Hong Kong Island's share of the population will drop from 19% in 2003 to 17% in 2013.

Among the District Council Districts, Kwun Tong with a projected population of 660,000 by 2013 will overtake Sha Tin by 2010 to become the most populous. Yuen Long will experience the greatest population growth, with an additional 105,800 people over the next 10 years.

The proportion of the population under the age of 15 is expected to drop rapidly in the New Towns from 17.3% in 2003 to 12.7% in 2013, although it will still be higher than the rest of Hong Kong. Kowloon will continue to have the highest proportion of people aged 65 and above.

In 2013, Yuen Long will have the youngest population among all District Council Districts, with a projected median age of 39.6, while Wan Chai's population will be the oldest, with a projected median age of 47.1.

The distribution projections were made with respect to the projected total population of Hong Kong as prepared and released by the Census and Statistics Department in June 2004.

More information on the availability of the report can be viewed on the Planning Department's website at http://www.info.gov.hk/planning

Ends/Tuesday, October 26, 2004