China: Number of Migrant Workers

Macro

2026-05-12

Description

China Number of Migrant Workers is compiled and published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China. This indicator measures the number of migrant workers, primarily those from rural areas seeking employment in urban settings. It serves as an important metric for understanding the dynamics of labor migration, urbanization trends, and the availability of labor force in the secondary and tertiary sectors. An increase in the number of migrant workers typically reflects robust urban job creation and economic opportunities, while a decline may suggest reduced demand for labor or economic challenges in urban areas.

Published by
National Bureau of Statistics of China (Choice)
Frequency
Yearly
Next Update

AI Data Insight

According to the latest data, the total number of Chinese migrant workers reached 301.15 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, an increase of 1.42 million from the previous year, breaking the 300 million mark for the first time in history. Behind the steady expansion of the total volume, affected by the real estate slump and aging, the employed population in the construction industry has sharply decreased, and over 60% of outbound migrant workers have shifted to local employment within their home provinces. In the future, close attention needs to be paid to the employment pressure on older workers under industrial transformation and the risk of slowing income growth.

AI Data Insight

According to the latest data, the total number of Chinese migrant workers reached 301.15 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, an increase of 1.42 million from the previous year, breaking the 300 million mark for the first time in history. Behind the steady expansion of the total volume, affected by the real estate slump and aging, the employed population in the construction industry has sharply decreased, and over 60% of outbound migrant workers have shifted to local employment within their home provinces. In the future, close attention needs to be paid to the employment pressure on older workers under industrial transformation and the risk of slowing income growth.

Description

China Number of Migrant Workers is compiled and published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China. This indicator measures the number of migrant workers, primarily those from rural areas seeking employment in urban settings. It serves as an important metric for understanding the dynamics of labor migration, urbanization trends, and the availability of labor force in the secondary and tertiary sectors. An increase in the number of migrant workers typically reflects robust urban job creation and economic opportunities, while a decline may suggest reduced demand for labor or economic challenges in urban areas.

Published by
National Bureau of Statistics of China (Choice)
Frequency
Yearly
Next Update