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According to data from the Shaoxing municipal bureau of statistics, the city's permanent population reached 5.44 million by the end of 2025, an increase of 14,000 compared to the end of 2024. The urbanization rate of the permanent population rose to 75.7 percent, up by 1.2 percent from 2024.

The urbanization rate refers to the share of a region's permanent population living in urban areas and is a key indicator for assessing urban-rural integration and new urbanization. Between 2021 and 2025, Shaoxing's permanent population urbanization rate increased from 71.5 percent to 75.7 percent, in line with global urbanization trends.

County-level economic development is the core driver of the rise in urbanization rates. Shaoxing has implemented development strategies, accelerated the construction of transportation networks, and launched 10 urban-rural development corridors. The city has also added six provincial-level central towns and initiated urban renewal pilot programs in 20 townships. Zhuji, a county-level city under Shaoxing, has been approved as a national pilot for new urbanization.

County-specific industries have created ample employment opportunities. In 2025, 99,000 new urban jobs were added citywide, attracting rural migrants to nearby urban areas and supporting their local urban integration. New urbanization has also stimulated both consumption and investment by increasing residents' spending capacity and willingness, while also boosting investment in municipal infrastructure, public services, and housing.

According to Shaoxing's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Shaoxing's permanent population urbanization rate is expected to reach approximately 78 percent by 2030, with a continued focus on improving the quality of urbanization.