Quick facts
Cook Islands population overview
The Cook Islands is the 18th most populous of 23 countries and territories in Oceania. The United Nations put the population at 13,847 on 1 January 2026; with an annual growth rate of -3.3% the live estimate on this page falls by roughly 1 people per day.
Over a full year that means about 144 births (10.4 per 1,000 people) and 144 deaths (10.4 per 1,000), and net emigration of roughly 451 people. The infant mortality rate is 5 per 1,000 live births.
UN World Population Prospects data show the population fell from 14,750 in 1950 to 13,750 in 2025 — a change of -6.8%, or -0.1% per year on average. It peaked at 20,850 in 1970 and has declined 35.3% since.
Demographically, the median age is 38.1 years; life expectancy at birth is 75.8 years.
Cook Islands population statistics (2026)
| Population (live, October 2026) | 13,487 |
|---|---|
| UN estimate, 1 Jan 2026 | 13,847 |
| World rank | #227 of 238 |
| Rank in Oceania | #18 of 23 |
| Share of world population | less than 0.001% |
| Annual growth rate | -3.3% |
| Births per year est. | 144 |
| Deaths per year est. | 144 |
| Net migration per year est. | -451 |
| Birth rate | 10.4 per 1,000 |
| Death rate | 10.4 per 1,000 |
| Infant mortality | 5 per 1,000 births |
| Sex ratio | 95.2 males per 100 females |
| Median age | 38.1 years |
| Life expectancy | 75.8 years |
Cook Islands population by year
| Year | Population | Change | Annual growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 (live, UN-based) | 13,487 | – | – |
| 2025 | 13,750 | -1,050 | -1.5% |
| 2020 | 14,800 | -100 | -0.1% |
| 2015 | 14,900 | -200 | -0.3% |
| 2010 | 15,100 | -150 | -0.2% |
| 2005 | 15,250 | -1,100 | -1.4% |
| 2000 | 16,350 | -2,100 | -2.4% |
| 1995 | 18,450 | +550 | +0.6% |
| 1990 | 17,900 | +350 | +0.4% |
| 1985 | 17,550 | -350 | -0.4% |
| 1980 | 17,900 | -700 | -0.8% |
| 1975 | 18,600 | -2,250 | -2.3% |
| 1970 | 20,850 | +1,700 | +1.7% |
| 1965 | 19,150 | +1,100 | +1.2% |
| 1960 | 18,050 | +1,700 | +2% |
| 1955 | 16,350 | +1,600 | +2.1% |
| 1950 | 14,750 | – | – |
Change and annual growth are measured against the previous row; growth is annualized where rows are five years apart. The live row extrapolates the UN estimate and is not directly comparable with the UN World Population Prospects series.
About Cook Islands
Detailed indicators
International organizations don't publish detailed statistical series (CO₂, energy, water, economy) for Cook Islands — this is normal for small territories and a few special cases. The live counters above run on the latest UN-based estimates, and the population history below comes from the UN World Population Prospects.
Population over time
- From 14,750 in 1950 to 13,487 today — down 8.6%.
- Population peaked at 20,850 in 1970 and is down 35.3% since.
- Average change over the last 50 years of data: -0.6% per year.
Cook Islands in the news
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of the Cook Islands in 2026?
As of October 2026, the Cook Islands has an estimated population of 13,487. The United Nations estimated 13,847 residents on 1 January 2026; the live figure on this page extrapolates that estimate using the -3.3% annual growth rate.
Is the population of the Cook Islands growing or shrinking?
It is shrinking at -3.3% per year — roughly 1 fewer people every day. Each year there are about 144 births and 144 deaths, with net migration of -451.
What is the median age in the Cook Islands?
The median age is 38.1 years, and life expectancy at birth is 75.8 years.
How does the Cook Islands rank by population?
The Cook Islands is the 227th most populous of 238 countries and territories worldwide and the 18th in Oceania, with less than 0.001% of the global population.
How has the population of the Cook Islands changed over time?
In 1950 the population was 14,750; by 2025 it had fallen to 13,750 (-6.8%). The year-by-year table above lists the full UN World Population Prospects series.
Explore more
Australia
Papua New Guinea
New Zealand
Fiji
Nauru
Saint Barthélemy
Anguilla
Wallis and FutunaSources & method: the live population is a linear extrapolation of the UN World Population Prospects estimate for 1 January 2026 using the annual growth rate (-3.3%); births, deaths and migration counters apply the UN crude rates to the live figure. Historical series, area, GDP and other indicators are from the UN World Population Prospects; the encyclopedic summary is from Wikipedia. Figures are statistical estimates, not census counts. Page generated 2026-10-19. More about our data.