About the 2020 Census Round
The 2020 Census Round is a coordinated effort by CARICOM Member States and Associate Members to collect population and housing data using internationally recommended standards. Although the reference year is 2020/2021, data collection and publication schedules vary by country, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The census provides essential information on:
- Population size, structure, and distribution
- Housing characteristics
- Education, labour force, and migration trend
Quick Insights:
- Youngest Population: Belize (25 years)
- Total population size 397,484
- The median age of 25 indicates that half of the population is below 26 years, reflecting a predominantly youthful demographic structure.
- A low median age can also correlate with low life expectancy, reflecting broader health and social challenges.
- Oldest Population: Curacao (49 years)
- Total population size 155,826
- With a median age of 49, half of the population is above this age, signifying an ageing population.
- The proportion of people aged 65 and older is almost a quarter (24.7%) of the total population.
- Other Populations: Median Ages 33–44 Years
- This suggests a moderately mature population structure, with a substantial proportion of working-age adults relative to younger and older cohorts.
- This also suggests, balanced dependency ratios.
Using Census Data
Census data are best used for population counts, small-area analysis, and demographic profiles. Because census years differ across countries, users should exercise caution when making regional comparisons.
Country Census Results and Reports
Bahamas
Males– 191,667
Females– 206,498
Total– 398,165
Intercensal change– 13.3 %
Barbados
Males– 130,037
Females– 139,053
Total– 269,090
Intercensal change– 3%
The Estimated Resident Population is derived from 2010 estimates, adjusted by births and deaths each year to 1st August 2021, and net migration
Belize
Tables: Census | Statistical Institute of Belize
Males– 195,695
Females– 201,789
Total– 397,484
Intercensal change– 23.3 %
Bermuda
Males– 30,690
Females– 33,089
Total– 63,779
Intercensal change– 1%
Cayman Islands
Males– 34,823
Females– 33,927
Total– 71,432*
Intercensal change– 29.2 %
* During the census of 2021, the gender of 61 individuals is not known. *
71432 is total estimated population
Curacao
See more: Publications Census 2023 | Senso Kòrsou
Males– 70,162
Females– 85,596
Total– 155,826*
Intercensal change– 3 %
* During the census of 2023, the gender of 68 individuals is not known.
Grenada
Males– 54,542
Females– 54,479
Total– 109,021
Intercensal change– 2.2 %
Guyana
Males– 440,882
Females– 437,792
Total– 878,674
Intercensal change– 17.6 %
Jamaica
Males–
Females–
Total– 2,774,538
Intercensal change– 2.8 %
Montserrat
Males– 2,189
Females– 2,197
Total– 4,386
Intercensal change– 11%
St. Kitts and Nevis
Males– 25,000
Females– 26,320
Total– 51,320
Intercensal change– 8.7 %
Saint Lucia
Males– 84,714
Females– 87,118
Total– 171,832
Intercensal change– 3.8 %
Dwelling Units per 1,000 Persons
Housing Availability in CARICOM Countries
Recent census data across 12 CARICOM countries shows significant variation in housing availability:
- High availability: Montserrat, Bermuda and Cayman Islands lead with over 430 dwelling units per 1,000 persons.
- Moderate availability: Curacao, Saint Lucia, Grenada and Bahamas have between 360–386 units per 1,000 persons.
- Lower availability: Guyana, Barbados, Belize and Jamaica have fewer than 335 units per 1,000 persons.
CARICOM Population & Housing Census Snapshot-Selected Countries
| COUNTRY | CENSUS YEAR | TOTAL POPULATION | SEX RATIO1 | TOTAL DEPENDENCY RATIO2 | MEDIAN AGE3 | DWELLING UNITS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahamas | 2021 | 398,165 | 92.8 | 54 | 33 | 144,128 |
| Barbados | 2021 | 269,090 | 93.5 | 52 | 42.5 | 73,571 |
| Belize | 2022 | 397,484 | 97.0 | 49.8 | 25.7 | 110,718 |
| Bermuda | 2016 | 63,779 | 92.7 | 46 | 44 | 28,192 |
| Cayman Islands | 2021 | 71,432 | 102.6 | 31.5 | 38 | 29,699 |
| Curacao | 2023 | 155,826 | 82.0 | 45.9 | 49 | 60,075 |
| Grenada | 2022 | 109,021 | 100.1 | 53.7 | 34.7 | 40,990 |
| Guyana | 2022 | 878,674 | 100.7 | 218,019 | ||
| Jamaica | 2022 | 2,774,538 | 926,815 | |||
| Montserrat | 2023 | 4,386 | 99.6 | 56.3 | 43.5 | 2,252 |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | 2021 | 51,320 | 95.0 | 40.5 | 34 | 21,677 |
| Saint Lucia | 2022 | 171,832 | 97.2 | 44.5 | 36.8 | 65,951 |
- Sex Ratio Indicator- males per 100 females ↩︎
- A low dependency ratio indicates a healthy economy where a sufficient number of working-age individuals can support the dependent population, typically those aged 0-14 and over 65. ↩︎
- The median age of a population is the age at which half the population is older and half is younger ↩︎
Highlights
The available census data for selected CARICOM countries indicates a general decline in average household size between the 2010 and 2020 census rounds.
Several countries showed moderate declines ranging between 5% and 7%.
St. Kitts and Nevis experienced the most pronounced decrease (–15%), from 2.8 to 2.4 persons per household, while Bahamas recorded a small decline of –3% and Cayman Islands remained essentially stable, with only a –1% change.
Several CARICOM countries postponed enumeration due to COVID-19, leading to variation in census years and publication timelines. This page is regularly updated to reflect the latest available data.
Last updated: January 2026
