West Bank and Gaza Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
West Bank and Gaza's urban population was 87.38% in 2025, ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
West Bank and Gaza's urban population stood at 87.38% in 2025, a rise of +0.26% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 87.38% by 2025. West Bank and Gaza ranked 42nd globally.
The urban share of the West Bank and Gaza’s population has risen from 44.18 percent in 1960 to 87.38 percent in 2025, marking a 66‑year trajectory that more than doubles the proportion living in cities. This increase reflects sustained migration toward metropolitan centers and the expansion of built‑up areas, especially after the 1990s when economic activity and infrastructure projects intensified. The 2025 figure of 87.38 percent places the territory at rank 42 globally and just below peers such as Australia (87.66 percent) and Belgium (87.70 percent), indicating a level of urbanisation comparable to high‑income economies despite markedly different income levels and spatial constraints. The all‑time peak coincides with the latest year, suggesting that the urbanisation process has not yet plateaued. Continued population growth, coupled with limited land for new settlements, is likely to keep the urban share climbing, although policy shifts toward rural development or constraints on construction could temper the upward trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 87.90% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 87.64% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 87.38% | - | - |
| 2025 | 87.38% | +0.26% | #42 |
| 2024 | 87.12% | +0.26% | #175 |
| 2023 | 86.86% | +0.26% | #175 |
| 2022 | 86.60% | +0.26% | #175 |
| 2021 | 86.33% | +0.26% | #175 |
| 2020 | 86.07% | +0.26% | #175 |
| 2019 | 85.81% | +0.28% | #175 |
| 2018 | 85.54% | +0.16% | #175 |
| 2017 | 85.38% | +0.04% | #175 |
| 2016 | 85.34% | +0.12% | #175 |
| 2015 | 85.22% | +0.17% | #175 |
| 2014 | 85.04% | +0.23% | #175 |
| 2013 | 84.82% | +0.27% | #174 |
| 2012 | 84.55% | +0.31% | #174 |
| 2011 | 84.23% | +0.35% | #175 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
West Bank and Gaza matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2008. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
West Bank and Gaza's urban population was 87.38% in 2025. Ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from the previous year.
West Bank and Gaza's urban population peaked at 87.38% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in West Bank and Gaza was 44.18% in 1960.
West Bank and Gaza ranks 42nd globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
West Bank and Gaza's urban population is projected to reach 87.38% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of West Bank and Gaza in 2025 was 87.38%. This ranks 42nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_west-bank-and-gaza_urban-population,
title = {West Bank and Gaza Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/west-bank-and-gaza/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}