Saudi Census 2022: From 2010 to 2022 Census Changes

Understanding the Saudi Census 2022

The Saudi Census 2022 represents a major step in understanding the Kingdom’s demographic landscape. Conducted by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the census offers detailed insights into the population structure, housing conditions, and household composition in Saudi Arabia. These findings are crucial for shaping national policies and supporting Vision 2030 objectives.

Snapshot of Saudi Arabia’s Population in 2022

According to the latest data, the population of Saudi Arabia stands at 32.2 million people. Out of this total:

• 58.4% (18.8 million) are Saudi citizens

• 41.6% (13.4 million) are expatriates

Other notable demographics include:

• Median age: 29 years

• Youth population (Saudis under 30): 63%

• Male population: 19.7 million (61%)

• Female population: 12.5 million (39%)

This distribution highlights the country’s youthful nature, with the majority of the population below the age of 30.

Comparing 2010 and 2022 Census Results

The 2022 census reveals significant demographic changes when compared to the 2010 figures:

Data Point	2010	2022	Change
Total Population	27.1 million	32.2 million	+5.1 million
Saudi Citizens	18.7 million	18.8 million	+0.1 million
Non-Saudis	8.4 million	13.4 million	+5 million
Median Age	~26.5 years	29 years	Slight increase

The most striking difference lies in the growth of the non-Saudi population, reflecting the Kingdom’s ongoing reliance on foreign workers.

Youthful Energy: The Power of a Young Population

One of the most important findings is the youthful demographic: over 63% of Saudis are under 30. This trend has direct implications for sectors like education, employment, housing, and healthcare. Planning for a future driven by youth requires investments in schools, job training, and modern infrastructure.

Gender Breakdown and Implications

The 2022 figures show a higher male population:

• Males: 19.7 million

• Females: 12.5 million

This gender gap is partly due to the large number of male expatriate workers. Recognizing this distribution is important for designing gender-responsive services in health, employment, and education.

Geographic Spread: Major Cities and Population Centers

Saudi Arabia’s population is not evenly distributed. Urban centers like Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and Dammam have seen significant growth. Understanding this helps in efficient resource distribution and urban planning, especially for infrastructure, public services, and transportation systems.

Housing Data: A Look into Residential Life

The Kingdom now has over eight million residential units. Interestingly:

• Apartments make up 51% of all housing

This reflects the rising trend of urbanization and the growing preference for apartment living in city areas. This data is essential for guiding real estate investments and housing development projects.

Saudi Households: Composition and Size

• There are around 4.2 million Saudi families

• Average Saudi family size: 4.8 members

• Average non-Saudi family size: 2.7 members

Among non-Saudis, men make up 76% of the group, a statistic that aligns with the employment-focused migration patterns into the country.

Backcasting: How Far Has the Kingdom Come?

The 2022 census uses a technique called backcasting to compare with past data:

• Population growth from 2010 to 2022: +8.2 million

• Saudi citizens increase: +4.8 million

• Non-Saudis increase: +3.5 million

This method offers a deeper perspective on long-term population trends, helping decision-makers understand where growth is happening and why.

Smart Data Collection: Technology Driving Accuracy

The 2022 census benefited from technological advancements, including:

• Satellite mapping

• Self-enumeration tools

• Automated data verification

With a confidence level of 95%, these tools ensured more precise data collection than ever before. Field visits and data correction techniques helped validate the information, boosting its reliability.

Commitment to Transparency and Data Privacy

GASTAT emphasized both data security and public transparency. By using international best practices and high confidentiality standards, the agency has built public trust and encouraged active participation in national statistics efforts.

Policy Impact: Using Census Data for National Development

The census provides a foundation for shaping economic and social strategies. It supports government goals such as:

• Developing inclusive education systems

• Expanding healthcare infrastructure

• Improving housing and transportation

• Supporting labor market reforms

Moreover, the census directly contributes to realizing the goals of Vision 2030, helping Saudi Arabia build a thriving society, a vibrant economy, and an ambitious nation.

Addressing Public Concerns: GASTAT’s Official Response

Following the data release, some observers questioned discrepancies with previous figures (like those from 2015). GASTAT President Dr. Fahad Aldossari clarified:

• The 2022 census used cutting-edge tools for better accuracy

• Economic events, like the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced non-Saudi population trends

• Backcasting was applied to ensure continuity and understanding of past trends

This response reinforces the reliability of the 2022 data and underlines GASTAT’s commitment to improving statistical practices.

Conclusion: Saudi Census 2022 in Perspective

The Saudi Census 2022 is more than just numbers—it’s a roadmap for the future. By leveraging modern technology, maintaining transparency, and analyzing population trends, Saudi Arabia has created a powerful tool for national development.

As the country advances toward the goals set in Vision 2030, this data will be instrumental in guiding policy, shaping infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable growth. The insights from the census serve not only Saudi policymakers but also global investors and researchers looking to understand the Kingdom’s evolving dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Saudi Census 2022, and why is it important?
It’s a national population and housing survey that provides insights essential for planning infrastructure, services, and national development strategies.

2. What is the total population according to the 2022 census?
32.2 million people, with 58.4% Saudis and 41.6% non-Saudis.

3. How does the 2022 census compare to the 2010 data?
There has been a population growth of 8.2 million, including significant increases among both Saudis and expatriates.

4. What does the census say about housing in Saudi Arabia?
There are over 8 million residential units, and apartments account for more than half of them.

5. How does the youthful population impact national planning?
With 63% of Saudis under 30, the government needs to prioritize education, employment, and youth engagement initiatives.

6. What technologies were used in the 2022 census?
Satellite imagery, self-reporting tools, automated error detection, and modern data analysis techniques.

7. How does the census support Vision 2030?
It provides accurate, up-to-date data to support strategic decision-making across all sectors aligned with Vision 2030 goals.

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