Dire Dawa's 2026 population is now estimated at 529,439. In 1950, the population of Dire Dawa was 18,176. Dire Dawa has grown by 22,338 in the last year, which represents a 4.41% annual change. These population estimates and projections come from the latest revision of the UN World Urbanization Prospects . These estimates represent the Urban agglomeration of Dire Dawa, which typically includes Dire Dawa's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas.