Karbala's 2020 population is now estimated at 555,073. In 1950, the population of Karbala was 45,658. Karbala has grown by 40,717 since 2015, which represents a 1.54% 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 Karbala, which typically includes Karbala's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas.
| Year | Population | Growth Rate (%) | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2035 | 813,351 | 2.79% | 104,721 |
| 2030 | 708,630 | 2.76% | 90,204 |
| 2025 | 618,426 | 2.19% | 63,353 |
| 2020 | 555,073 | 1.54% | 40,717 |
| 2015 | 514,356 | -2.21% | -60,906 |
| 2010 | 575,262 | 3.97% | 101,822 |
| 2005 | 473,440 | 4.69% | 96,945 |
| 2000 | 376,495 | 2.81% | 48,700 |
| 1995 | 327,795 | 1.30% | 20,529 |
| 1990 | 307,266 | 3.41% | 47,386 |
| 1985 | 259,880 | 5.94% | 65,132 |
| 1980 | 194,748 | 5.94% | 48,832 |
| 1975 | 145,916 | 5.94% | 36,579 |
| 1970 | 109,337 | 5.83% | 26,974 |
| 1965 | 82,363 | 4.01% | 14,700 |
| 1960 | 67,663 | 4.01% | 12,083 |
| 1955 | 55,580 | 4.01% | 9,922 |
| 1950 | 45,658 | 0.00% |