As of early 2026, Kazakhstan had 5.89 million people aged 14 to 34, accounting for 28.7% of the total population. Over the year, the number of young Kazakhs increased by 69,400, but the growth was seen exclusively in urban areas, reports infohub.kz.

The urban youth population grew by 91,400, or 2.5%, reaching 3.76 million. In rural areas, the number of young people decreased by 22,000, to 2.13 million.

In absolute terms, the largest number of young people lives in Almaty — 729,200. Turkistan Region follows with 675,600, and Astana with 516,000. Then come Almaty Region (447,200), Shymkent (409,200), and Zhambyl Region (357,100).

When looking at the share of youth in the total population of a region, Shymkent leads with 31.6% of residents aged 14–34. In Astana, this figure is 31.5%, in Turkistan Region — 31.4%, and in Almaty — 31.1%.

The smallest share of youth is recorded in East Kazakhstan Region — 23.4%. In North Kazakhstan Region, it is 24.4%, and in Abai Region — 24.8%.

The highest growth rates of young residents are observed in the capital: over the year, their number increased by 7.1%. In Shymkent, the increase was 3%, in Almaty Region — 2.5%, in Almaty — 2.4%, and in Mangystau Region — 1.9%.

At the same time, some regions are losing youth. The largest decline occurred in North Kazakhstan Region — by 2.3%. In Abai Region, the decrease was 1.5%, in East Kazakhstan — 1.4%, and in Kostanay Region — 1.3%.

The high share of young Kazakhs is reflected in the demand for housing. According to Energyprom, 283,400 people under 35 purchased their own housing through Otbasy Bank, accounting for 42.5% of all bank borrowers. Over the past two and a half years, about 71,000 young Kazakhs have received housing.

Another 12,480 young families were provided with housing through regional youth programs operating since 2017. In 2025 alone, 3,605 loans were issued under these programs.

One of the largest programs is implemented in Almaty. Since the launch of "Almaty Zhastary," 8,326 people have purchased housing. While in the first year only 100 participants received loans, in 2025 — already 2,276.

Under regional programs, the initial down payment starts from 10%, the rate from 5% per annum, and the effective annual rate (EAR) from 5.2% to 5.7%. Participants can purchase apartments both on the primary and secondary markets.

In Kazakhstan, youth includes citizens aged 14 to 34 inclusive. The age limit was expanded in 2022.