Budapest's 2026 population is now estimated at 1,783,650. In 1950, the population of Budapest was 1,617,840. Budapest has grown by 1,410 in the last year, which represents a 0.08% 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 Budapest, which typically includes Budapest's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas.
Negative growth is affecting populations throughout the world, and one of the hardest hit areas is the city of Budapest. The high point of the population in the city was in 1989 it reached 2.2 million. Since then, both tourism, as well as permanent residence within the city, has dwindled, with the current population dropping to 1.74 million.
The city of Budapest covers a surface area of 525.2 square kilometers. With a population near 1.77 million residents, the population density comes to approximately 3,351 people living per square kilometer.
Tourism is one of Budapest’s most significant revenue sources. The city is not only one of the EU’s largest; it is also among the most beautiful. Castillo Vajdahunyan, a perfectly preserved castle located in the city center, is one of its most breathtaking sites and attracts visitors from around the world. Budapest is also home to the Chain Bridge, which is spectacular and luminescent against the evening sky.
Budapest has a long history featuring many diverse cultures. Previous inhabitants include the Celts, Slavs, Romans, Avars, Huns, and the Gepids over the ages, and this makes the city quite the cultural melting pot. While there is still a wide range of nationalities in Budapest, those of Hungarian descent account for around 84% of the overall population. Other nationalities include Romans, which make up 3%, Germans at 1%, Slovaks and Romanians at .03%, and Croats at just .02% of the total population.
The easiest way to get around quickly in Budapest is by using public transit. It is fast and quite reliable, and it’s estimated that around 59% of the population uses the system each day to travel to and from work. Only 29% of residents drive a vehicle, while 11% of the city gets around by walking. With the high number of residents using public transit for their journeys to and from work, 73% of the population use the service at least once per week.
The life expectancy of an area depends on many factors, including disease and availability of medical care to the population. The life expectancy of Budapest residents is on average 75.7 years, with males living an average of 71.9 years and females living up to 79 years. Budapest ranks 79th overall in the world for life expectancy. In terms of Budapest’s demographics, males make up 47.6% of the population while women are the majority at 52.4%.
Budapest is a city full of life, with a fascinating history and cultural heritage. While it is quite disheartening that the population is decreasing, Budapest is still one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
