Mekele's 2020 population is now estimated at 523,914. In 1950, the population of Mekele was 14,107. Mekele has grown by 83,872 since 2015, which represents a 3.55% 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 Mekele, which typically includes Mekele's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas.
| Year | Population | Growth Rate (%) | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2035 | 952,550 | 3.98% | 168,943 |
| 2030 | 783,607 | 4.22% | 146,381 |
| 2025 | 637,226 | 3.99% | 113,312 |
| 2020 | 523,914 | 3.55% | 83,872 |
| 2015 | 440,042 | 9.19% | 156,587 |
| 2010 | 283,455 | 8.18% | 92,134 |
| 2005 | 191,321 | 6.55% | 51,977 |
| 2000 | 139,344 | 6.55% | 37,874 |
| 1995 | 101,470 | 4.75% | 21,007 |
| 1990 | 80,463 | 4.45% | 15,737 |
| 1985 | 64,726 | 4.45% | 12,657 |
| 1980 | 52,069 | 4.45% | 10,186 |
| 1975 | 41,883 | 4.45% | 8,192 |
| 1970 | 33,691 | 4.45% | 6,589 |
| 1965 | 27,102 | 4.45% | 5,300 |
| 1960 | 21,802 | 4.45% | 4,265 |
| 1955 | 17,537 | 4.45% | 3,430 |
| 1950 | 14,107 | 0.00% |