Kowloon will experience faster population growth than both the New Territories and Hong Kong Island in the coming decade, the Planning Department says.

According to the Projections of Population Distribution 2004-2013 released today, Kowloon's population will rise 12% to 2.27 million, taking up about 31% of the total population in 2013, compared to 30% last year.

In the New Territories, the population of new towns will rise 8% to 3.4 million, 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.

Kwun Tong to overtake Sha Tin

Among the District Council Districts, Kwun Tong will overtake Sha Tin by 2010 to become the most populous. Its population is projected to reach 661,000 in 2013. Yuen Long will, on the other hand, experience the greatest population growth with an additional 105,800 people over the next 10 years.

The proportion of people under 15 is projected to drop rapidly in new towns from 17.3% to 12.7%, although it will still be higher than the rest of Hong Kong. In contrast, Kowloon will continue to have the highest proportion of elderly, 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 & Statistics Department in June 2004.

Where to find the report

The report is available for inspection at the Planning Department's Planning Enquiry Counter on the 17th Floor of the North Point Government Offices.

The report can be purchased online at the Government Bookstore or by returning a completed order which can be downloaded from the Information Services Department's website. People can also purchase it by calling 2537 1910.