Johannesburg Population 2026
Johannesburg has a population of 9,418,183, making it the #1 biggest city in 🇿🇦 South Africa, located in Gauteng. Roughly 14% of South Africa's population lives here.
Population (city proper)
9,418,183
Rank in South Africa
#1
Coordinates
26.20°S, 28.04°E
~1,767 m elevation · Africa/Johannesburg
Distance to capital (Pretoria)
53 km
33 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Gauteng
| City | Population | Rank in South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Pretoria | 2,112,693 | #4 |
| Soweto | 1,695,047 | #5 |
| Soshanguve | 872,309 | #7 |
| Evaton | 725,468 | #9 |
| Benoni | 605,344 | #10 |
| Thembisa | 511,655 | #12 |
| Vereeniging | 474,681 | #14 |
| Boksburg | 445,168 | #15 |
Cities near Johannesburg
FAQ
What is the population of Johannesburg?
Johannesburg has a population of 9,418,183 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #1 biggest city in South Africa.
What region is Johannesburg in?
Johannesburg is located in Gauteng, South Africa.
Is Johannesburg the capital of South Africa?
No, the capital of South Africa is Pretoria, about 53 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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