Israel: List of the Largest Cities by Population

Nazareth, Israel: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

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Because population lists are outdated even before they can be published, the following estimates have been rounded for easier comparison.

1. Jerusalem – 966,200

Israel’s capital; rich in religious, historical, and cultural significance.


2. Tel Aviv‑Yafo – 474,500

Dynamic Mediterranean city and Israel’s economic and tech center.


3. Haifa – 290,300

Major northern port; known for the Bahá’í World Centre and coastal hills.


4. Rishon LeZion – 260,400

Historic settlement turned populous Tel Aviv suburb.


5. Petah Tikva – 255,400

Industrial and commercial hub east of Tel Aviv.


6. Netanya – 233,100

Coastal city with beaches and growing residential development.


7. Ashdod – 226,800

Southern coastal port city and logistics hub.


8. Bnei Brak – 218,400

Ultra-Orthodox city with one of Israel’s highest population densities.


9. Be’er Sheva – 214,200

“Capital of the Negev” desert region; university and tech center.


10. Holon – 197,900

Family-oriented Tel Aviv suburb with strong industry and parks.


11. Ramat Gan – 172,500

Business district with the diamond exchange and major firms.


12. Ashkelon – 153,100

Coastal city with history dating back to the Philistines; growing tourism.


13. Beit Shemesh – 154,700

Rapidly growing city west of Jerusalem with a diverse population.


14. Rehovot – 150,700

Scientific and agricultural research center in the Central District.


15. Bat Yam – 128,500

Coastal suburb south of Tel Aviv with residential development and beaches.


16. Herzliya – 106,700

Upscale beach city north of Tel Aviv; home to many tech companies.


17. Hadera – 103,000

Coastal city between Haifa and Tel Aviv; light industry and suburbs.


18. Kfar Saba – 101,600

Quiet central city with excellent schools and healthcare facilities.


19. Modi’in‑Maccabim‑Re’ut – 99,200

Modern planned city midway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.


20. Lod – 85,400

Historic city and transport hub near Ben Gurion Airport.


21. Ra’anana – 80,000

Green, affluent suburb with a strong Anglo and tech presence.


22. Afula – 59,100

Northern gateway to the Jezreel Valley; agricultural center.


23. Nahariya – 51,200

Charming northern coastal city popular for retirees and beachgoers.


24. Kiryat Ata – 50,700

Residential suburb of Haifa in the Northern District.


25. Ramla – 50,500

Historic mixed Arab–Jewish city with diverse communities.


26. Qiryat Gat – 49,900

Southern city with Intel factories and new residential areas.


27. Acre (Akko) – 49,600

Historic Crusader port city with a well-preserved Old Town.


28. Givatayim – 48,000

Densely populated Tel Aviv suburb popular with young families.


29. Eilat – 45,600

Resort city on the Red Sea; gateway to Jordan and Egypt.


30. Nesher – 41,000

Suburban city near Haifa, originally built around a cement factory.

The above is subject to change.

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