Modern theories of urbanization are directly related to economic growth, which is the main catalyst for demographic processes. On the basis of this provision, urbanization can be considered both on the positive and negative sides. In this regard, urbanization is a serious problem for Kazakhstan. Currently, Kazakhstan is a rapidly growing region in economic and demographic aspects. However, urban population growth in Kazakhstan may be higher than expected as a result of structural reforms and other administrative, social and economic factors. Urbanization in Kazakhstan is uneven: on the one hand, there is a significant growth of cities in the other hand, there is a noticeable decline in medium-sized, small single-industrial towns. Considering the processes of urbanization in Kazakhstan, the authors of the article propose its typology. Special attention is paid to the processes of urban population growth in relation to the rural the population. Historical, sociological and comparative research methods were used to assess the global processes of urbanization. Analysis of the system of distribution of population in Kazakhstan was carried out on the basis of data of socio-economic development of the territory.