Rivers State Population 2026

Rivers State had an official population of 5,185,400 in the 2006 National Population Commission census, making it one of Nigeria's most populated states at the time. Applying the NBS average annual growth rate of 3.2% for the state, the population is estimated at 9,735,902 in 2026, representing a significant increase over the two decades since the census. The state capital Port Harcourt is the largest urban centre, with a 2026 estimated population of 2,800,000. Urban population accounts for approximately 68.0% of the total, while 32.0% of residents live in rural areas. With a land area of 11,077 km², the population density is approximately 879 people per square kilometre.

Rivers State has a young population, with approximately 42.0% of residents under 15 years of age and 21.0% in the 15-24 age bracket — together representing the youth bulge characteristic of Nigeria's demographic profile. Working-age adults (25-54) make up 30.8% of the population, while seniors aged 55-64 and 65 and above account for 4.0% and 2.2% respectively. The gender split is approximately 50.1% male and 49.9% female.

The population of Rivers State has grown steadily since the 2006 census, driven by high fertility rates, improved access to healthcare reducing infant mortality, and rural-to-urban migration. Nigeria's population growth rate of approximately 3.2% annually means that Rivers State's population doubles roughly every 22 years (Rule of 70). By 2030, the state is projected to reach 11,043,202 residents. The absence of an updated national census since 2006 means that all post-2006 figures are estimates based on demographic modelling by the National Bureau of Statistics and UN Population Division. Nigeria's long-awaited census, postponed multiple times, will provide updated official data when completed.