~Latest official statistics show the population increased by 183 people in one year, with natural increase accounting for more than half of the growth.~
PHILIPSBURG — St. Maarten's population has officially climbed to 42,449 residents as of January 1, 2025, according to newly released estimates from the Department of Statistics (STAT), marking a modest but steady increase that continues the country's post-pandemic demographic recovery.
The latest figures show that the island's population grew by 183 people over the previous year, representing an annual growth rate of 0.4 percent. While the increase may appear small, the data reveal that St. Maarten continues to experience both positive migration and natural population growth.
According to STAT, approximately 52 percent of the population increase resulted from natural growth, meaning there were more births than deaths, while the remaining 48 percent came from net migration, indicating that more people moved to St. Maarten than left the country during the period.
Population Rebased Following 2022 Census
The Department explained that the latest estimates have been rebased using the official results of the 2022 Population and Housing Census, which established St. Maarten's population at 41,902 residents.
By anchoring the annual estimates to the census benchmark, STAT said the revised figures now more accurately reflect demographic trends in accordance with international statistical standards. The Civil Registry also revised historical vital statistics, resulting in adjustments to estimates published for previous years.
Births Continue to Outnumber Deaths
The demographic report shows that during 2024:
- 339 births were registered.
- 244 deaths were recorded.
- This resulted in a natural increase of 95 people.
Although births have declined compared to earlier years, they continue to exceed deaths, allowing the country's population to grow even before migration is taken into account.
Migration Remains Positive
Migration also remained a significant contributor to population growth.
Official statistics show:
- 1,022 registered immigrants arrived in St. Maarten.
- 934 emigrants departed.
- This produced a net migration gain of 88 people.
Combined with the natural increase of 95 persons, the island experienced a total population increase of 183 residents between January 1, 2024 and January 1, 2025.
Steady Growth Since 2017
The revised historical data indicate that St. Maarten's population has steadily expanded over the past eight years, though growth slowed following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Population estimates show:
- 2017: 39,176
- 2018: 39,560
- 2019: 40,141
- 2020: 41,021
- 2021: 41,541
- 2022: 41,717
- 2023 (Census benchmark): 41,902
- 2024: 42,266
- 2025: 42,449
The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, when the population grew by 880 people, representing 2.2 percent growth. Since then, annual growth has moderated, fluctuating between 0.4 percent and 0.9 percent.
Planning for the Future: STAT said reliable population estimates are essential for evidence-based policymaking and long-term planning. Population data influence decisions involving housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, transportation, employment, and social services.
The department emphasized that these estimates provide government, businesses, and the wider public with dependable demographic information needed to understand how St. Maarten's population is evolving.
STAT also noted that the January 1, 2025, estimate is based on the most recent Civil Registry data and may be revised as late registrations are processed.