2022 Census Report Released
January 12 2026
-Highlights Population Growth and Housing Expansion
The preliminary report of Guyana’s 2022 Population and Housing Census was officially released on Monday, providing the most comprehensive snapshot of the country’s population, housing stock, and development trends in more than a decade. The report offers a critical evidence base to guide national planning, public investment, and policy formulation across key sectors.
Conducted by the Bureau of Statistics, the census confirms that as of Census Day, September 15, 2022, Guyana’s population stood at 878,674—an increase of 131,719 persons or 17.6 per cent compared with the 2012 census count of 746,955. By the end of 2024, the population was estimated at 956,044.
The data signal a notable reversal of earlier trends of population stagnation and decline, reflecting higher life expectancy, increased in-migration, and more Guyanese choosing to remain in the country. The findings provide an updated demographic profile that will inform economic planning, social policy, and the equitable allocation of public resources.
The preliminary results were presented at a press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where Deputy Census Officer Vanessa Profitt outlined key findings, and Chief Statistician Errol La Cruez addressed methodological and technical aspects of the exercise. Earlier in the day, the preliminary report was formally handed over to President Irfaan Ali.
Housing and Building Stock
The census also reveals significant growth in Guyana’s housing and building stock. The total number of buildings increased from 219,509 in 2012 to 311,742 in 2022, representing growth of 42.02 per cent over the intercensal period. Of these, 80.99 per cent were classified as occupied, while 4.47 per cent were under construction.
Additionally, the average household size declined from 3.65 persons in 2012 to 3.23 persons in 2022, reflecting changing household structures and increased access to home ownership. These trends are expected to shape future housing policy, infrastructure development, utilities expansion, and local government services.
Planning for Infrastructure and Social Services
Census-based population and household data remain central to determining where investments in education, healthcare, water, electricity, transportation, and other essential services are most needed. The preliminary findings provide an objective, evidence-based platform for planning new schools, health facilities, and community infrastructure in line with population growth and geographic distribution.
The report will also support fiscal planning, sectoral policy development, private-sector investment analysis, and international reporting obligations, while ensuring that all published data comply strictly with confidentiality requirements and are released only in aggregated form.
In his remarks, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, underscored the national importance of the exercise, stating: “The Census is the most comprehensive source of population and housing data available to any country and is a herculean exercise that offers a clear, evidence-based foundation for policy formulation, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making.”
He further noted that “these preliminary results offer a credible snapshot of Guyana’s demographic and housing profile and will be further complemented by detailed analytical outputs in the final report,” while emphasising that “the census is a national public good.”
The full preliminary report is available at statisticsguyana.gov.gy/census/, and stakeholders are encouraged to engage constructively with the data as additional census outputs are released.
