PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten’s population grew by approximately 25 per cent between 2011 and 2022, while the proportion of residents aged 65 and older nearly tripled, according to three reports released by the Department of Statistics (STAT) from the 2022 Population and Housing Census.
The reports cover demography, education and health, providing an updated picture of the island’s population and its social and economic conditions.
More than 32,000 people participated in the census, which began in September 2022, with final interviews conducted in April and May 2023. The findings describe the 41,902 residents living on the Dutch side of the island, up from 33,609 in 2011.
Nearly half of the population (49%) lives in Cul de Sac and Lower Prince’s Quarter. The median age increased from 35 years in 2011 to 43 in 2022, while the proportion aged 65 and older rose from five per cent to 14%.
St. Maarten remains culturally diverse, with two-thirds of residents born abroad. The Dominican Republic accounted for 9.5% of residents’ places of birth, followed by Haiti (6.6%), Jamaica (six per cent) and Saint Martin (5.6%). English remains the main language spoken at home, followed by Spanish and French Creole.
The census also recorded approximately 84 men for every 100 women. Nearly one-third of households consist of a single person, while 49% of adults have never married. More than one-third of those who have never married live with or have a partner.
Religious affiliation has also shifted over the years. The proportion identifying as Roman Catholic declined from approximately 42% in 1992 to 26% in 2022, while the share reporting no religious affiliation increased from 11% to 19%.
Education and
employment
Approximately 97% of children aged four to 17 attend school, with similar attendance rates among girls and boys. Among young people aged 18 to 24, 22% remain in education.
Educational attainment varies considerably across age groups. About 41% of residents aged 65 and older have primary education or less, compared with nine per cent of those aged 25 to 34.
Among residents aged 25 and older, 25% of women hold a college or university degree, compared with 20% of men. The gap is wider among those aged 25 to 34, with 32% of women and 18% of men having attained a degree.
Education is also linked to employment and income. Residents with a college or university degree are more likely to be employed and earn a typical monthly income of approximately 4,500 Caribbean guilders, compared with about Cg. 1,500 among those with primary education or less.
Health, living
conditions
Four in five residents (80%) rated their health as good or very good, while approximately two per cent described it as bad or very bad.
Health insurance coverage has improved since 2001, when about 30% of residents had no coverage. By 2022, that proportion had fallen to approximately 11%, representing 4,600 people. However, gaps remain, particularly among working-age men and people with low or no income. Most insured residents are covered by SZV.
More than one-third of residents (35%) reported living with a long-term illness. High blood pressure, allergies and diabetes were the most commonly reported conditions. Around 22% experienced some difficulty with everyday activities, including seeing, walking or remembering. Such difficulties were more common among older residents and women.
The findings also point to differences in food security. Approximately seven per cent of residents experienced hunger during the preceding year because they did not have enough money to buy food. The figures varied significantly by district, affecting about 15% of residents in Great Bay and more than 40% in Pond Island. Those who experienced hunger were also more likely to lack health insurance.
Approximately five per cent of residents reported smoking. Among those who answered questions about sports and physical activity, 60% said they did not participate in any sport or physical activity. That figure rose to 79% among residents aged 75 and older.
STAT said the census provides an important statistical foundation for understanding demographic changes and the social and economic circumstances of the population. The findings can assist policymakers, government departments, researchers, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying emerging needs and developing evidence-based policies and programmes.
The department is encouraging the public and stakeholders to explore the findings and make use of the available statistics.
The full reports on demography, education and health, including detailed statistical tables, are available at stats.sintmaartengov.org. Further information can be obtained by contacting STAT at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
