Average Height in Puerto Rico (2026 Data)
The average height in Puerto Rico is approximately 5'8" (173 cm) for men and 5'3" (160 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled height estimates.
Average Height in Puerto Rico: Men and Women
Adult height in Puerto Rico reflects decades of genetics, childhood nutrition, healthcare access, and living conditions. The most recent pooled international estimates provide the best available figures for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 173 cm (5'8"); for women, about 160 cm (5'3"). These figures represent adults aged 18 and older and are typically measured barefoot in health surveys.
Height varies by region, ethnicity, and birth cohort within Puerto Rico. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Puerto Rico
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 175 cm (5'9") | 161 cm (5'3") |
| 26–35 | 174 cm (5'9") | 161 cm (5'3") |
| 36–50 | 173 cm (5'8") | 160 cm (5'3") |
| 50+ | 172 cm (5'8") | 159 cm (5'3") |
Age-group estimates derived from NCD-RisC pooled height estimates. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Puerto Rico Compares to the World and the US
Globally, the approximate mean adult height is about 171 cm (5'7") for men and 159 cm (5'2.5") for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Compared to this, Puerto Rico men are 2 cm taller than the global male mean and women are 1 cm taller than the global female mean.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Puerto Rico men are 2 cm shorter than US men on average; Puerto Rico women are 2 cm shorter than US women.
Puerto Rican men average about 2 cm shorter than US men on CDC/NHANES figures.
Why Heights Differ: Genetics, Nutrition, and Trends
Height is roughly 80% genetic and 20% environmental, but nutrition in the first years of life matters enormously at the population level. Puerto Rico's averages blend European, African, and Taino ancestry with US-linked food systems and healthcare. The territory sits between mainland US and many Central American means.
Heights are close to Latin American leaders and slightly below the US mainland.
Comparing your personal height to Puerto Rico's average is informative, but percentile rankings depend on which reference population you use. Our calculator compares against US CDC/NHANES data, which may differ from Puerto Rico's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled height estimates. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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