Jerusalem's 2026 population is now estimated at 1,010,670. In 1950, the population of Jerusalem was 120,895. Jerusalem has grown by 13,938 in the last year, which represents a 1.4% 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 Jerusalem, which typically includes Jerusalem's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas.
Jerusalem is one of the oldest and most well-known cities in the world, as well as being a significant city to many religions. Both Israel and Palestine claim the city as their capital, but neither claim is recognized while the area continues to experience upheaval. The population of Jerusalem has had its ups and downs. The lack of available housing for residents keeps thousands from living in the city, but the community continues to grow substantially each year.
The current population for Jerusalem is estimated to be around 856,700 people. This is according to the most recent census performed in 2011. According to the numbers from the previous poll, there was an increase of 10.735% to the total population. If the numbers remain in line with last census data, the estimated population for 2018 will surpass 900,000.
Jerusalem covers an area of approximately 126 square kilometers (49 square miles). In combination with the growing number of residents in the city and surrounding area, the population density currently reaches 7,200 residents per square kilometer (19.000 residents per square mile).
The current unemployment rate stands at 5.9%, and statistics show that the unemployment rate in Jerusalem is reducing. The participation rate for men and women combined is 63.4%. Men and women have become more equal with regard to workforce participation in Jerusalem, with 52.6% of women and 60.6% of men taking part in the workforce. However, studies show that men still make more annually than women. Men make 65% more per year than women even in the highest areas of employment.
Given its history, Jerusalem is unsurprisingly a very religious city. Out of the population of 856,700 people, only 9,000 claimed to have no religious affiliation. At 64%, the majority of the population is Jewish, although there are of course different levels of adherence to the Jewish faith. The Muslim faith is the second most practiced religion in Jerusalem, representing 34% of the population. 2% of the population identifies as Christian.
With Jerusalem being important to so many different religions, it is not surprising that it is the number one tourist city within Israel. This is not just because of the size of the city, but what it represents to people. Sacred sites are found throughout Jerusalem, and approximately 3.5 million tourists grace its grounds each year. The city is also home to a very famous university. Tourists and students from over 65 different countries come to study at Hebrew University, and the university even taught Albert Einstein, to name one famous intellectual from the school.
One of the most unique things about Jerusalem is its architecture. The String Bridge is quite a remarkable sight and many marvel at the design. This is another aspect of the city that calls back to Jerusalem’s biblical history. It is said to have been designed to depict the strings of King David’s harp. The sweeping design of the bridge is beautiful but also functional, as the String Bridge accommodates foot traffic, bicycles, and the railway system within the city. People not only come for the bridge, but for the other 2,000 archeological sites throughout the city.
| City | 2026 Pop. ↓ | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Tel Aviv | 4,639,650 | 1.56% |
| Haifa | 1,214,740 | 1.23% |
| Ashdod | 225,939 | 1.01% |
| Netanya | 221,353 | 1.02% |
| Beersheba | 209,687 | 1.01% |
| Bnei Brak | 204,639 | 1.03% |
| Holon | 196,282 | 1.01% |
| Ramat Gan | 163,480 | 1.01% |
| Ashkelon | 144,073 | 1.02% |
| Rehovot | 143,904 | 1.02% |
| Bat Yam | 129,013 | 1% |
| Kfar Saba | 101,432 | 1.02% |
| Herzliya | 97,470 | 1.01% |
| Hadera | 97,335 | 1.02% |
| Nazareth | 77,445 | 1.01% |
| Lod | 77,223 | 1.01% |
| Ramla | 76,246 | 1.01% |
| Ra'anana | 75,421 | 1.01% |
| Rahat | 71,437 | 1.03% |
| Hod HaSharon | 63,175 | 1.03% |
| Givatayim | 60,644 | 1.01% |
| Afula | 54,250 | 1.03% |
| Eilat | 52,299 | 1.01% |
| Ness Ziona | 50,351 | 1.03% |
| Acre | 49,380 | 1.01% |
| Yavne | 47,585 | 1.03% |
| Ramat HaSharon | 47,245 | 1.02% |
| Tiberias | 44,779 | 1.01% |
| Netivot | 37,542 | 1.03% |
| Or Yehuda | 36,813 | 1.01% |
| Safed | 36,094 | 1.02% |
| Dimona | 34,500 | 1.01% |
| Tamra | 34,392 | 1.02% |
| Sakhnin | 31,702 | 1.02% |
| Yehud-Monosson | 29,928 | 1.01% |
| Arad | 26,756 | 1.01% |
| Giv'at Shmuel | 26,578 | 1.02% |
| Nesher | 24,148 | 1% |
| Kafr Qasim | 23,823 | 1.02% |
