Poland: Largest Cities, by population
CityNumber of people
Warszawa1,861,975
Kraków803,283
Wrocław675,079
Łódź658,444
Poznań541,316
Gdańsk486,345
Szczecin391,566
Lublin331,243
Bydgoszcz330,038
Białystok292,600
  • Region: Poland
  • Time period: 2023
  • Published: Feb 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 27, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Warszawa's Dominance in Population

Warszawa, with a population of 1,861,975, stands as Poland's largest city, far surpassing Kraków, the second-largest city, which houses 803,283 residents. The capital city's population is more than double that of Kraków, highlighting its significant role as the country's economic, political, and cultural hub.

Top Three Cities' Population Contributions

The combined population of the three largest Polish cities, Warszawa, Kraków, and Wrocław, totals 2,840,337 individuals, accounting for a substantial portion of the country's urban population. This demonstrates the concentration of Poland's population in its major urban centers.

Steady Population Decline Beyond the Largest City

A notable trend is the gradual decrease in population from Warszawa (1,861,975) down to Białystok (292,600), with each successive city experiencing a decrease in population size. This pattern underscores the disparity between the capital city and other major cities in Poland, indicating a concentration of resources and opportunities in Warszawa.

Comparison Between Coastal and Inland Cities

Gdańsk, a prominent coastal city, has a population of 486,345, which is significantly less than that of the largest inland cities such as Warszawa, Kraków, and Wrocław. However, it surpasses other major inland cities like Lublin and Bydgoszcz, showcasing the varied distribution of population in coastal versus inland urban areas.

Population Gap Between the Fourth and Fifth Largest Cities

The population gap between Łódź (658,444) and Poznań (541,316), the fourth and fifth largest cities respectively, is 117,128. This gap is indicative of the significant drop in population numbers as one moves down the list of Poland's largest cities, reflecting the varying degrees of urban development and attraction across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of the largest city in Poland?

The largest city in Poland, Warszawa, has a population of 1,861,975.

What is the combined population of the three largest Polish cities?

The combined population of the three largest Polish cities, Warszawa, Kraków, and Wrocław, is 2,840,337.

What is the population difference between the largest city, Warszawa, and Białystok?

The population difference between Warszawa, the largest city, and Białystok is 1,569,375.

Terms and Definitions

Population refers to the total number of people residing in a specific geographic location, such as a city or country, at a certain point in time. When measuring the population of cities, it can include individuals from all age groups, sexes, and cultures residing within the city limits.

A census is a systematic procedure that collects, records, and publishes data about the members of a given population. This data often includes information about individuals' residence, sex, age, marital status, economic activity, and other personal details.

A metropolitan area, also referred to as a metro area or metro, comprises a densely populated urban core region and its less-populated surrounding territories. These surrounding territories are linked to the urban core through various social and economic ties, such as commuting patterns and shared services.

City limits or city boundaries refer to the defined geographical borders that outline the jurisdiction of a city. The population of a city is usually counted within these limits in census reports.

Urbanization is the process of population shift from rural areas to cities, generally due to economic, job, and lifestyle opportunities found in cities. It also refers to the overall increase in the proportion of a population that lives in urban areas.

Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It's often used in describing the concentration of population in urban areas, including cities.

Demographics refer to the statistical characteristics of a population. These often include factors such as age, gender, income, migration patterns and levels of employment. Demographic data is typically used for economic and marketing research.

The urban core of a city refers to the heavily populated area at the heart of the city. It typically comprises the city's downtown or central business district, although the exact definitions and boundaries can vary from city to city.

The population growth rate is the increase in a country's population during a period of time, often expressed as a percentage of the population at the start of that period. It includes both natural increases (births minus deaths) and net migration (immigration minus emigration).
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Demography studies the characteristics of human populations, including aspects such as birth rate, death rate, migration, and how these elements can influence societal structure and development. Read more »