The Gaza Strip has experienced rapid population growth over the past several decades, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the world. As of 2024, the population is estimated to be around 2.3 million people living within just 365 square kilometers, resulting in a density of over 6,000 people per square kilometer. This growth is driven by high birth rates and limited emigration opportunities due to longstanding political and economic restrictions. The youthful demographic, with a large proportion of the population under the age of 18, further contributes to ongoing natural increase. This rapid growth places significant pressure on Gaza's already strained resources, infrastructure, and social services, exacerbating challenges related to housing, education, healthcare, and employment.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 245,375 | 681.6 |
| 1955 | 265,759 | 738.2 |
| 1960 | 308,158 | 856 |
| 1965 | 349,743 | 971.5 |
| 1970 | 342,656 | 951.8 |
| 1975 | 394,688 | 1,096.4 |
| 1980 | 455,360 | 1,264.9 |
| 1985 | 531,778 | 1,477.2 |
| 1990 | 645,133 | 1,792 |
| 1995 | 885,169 | 2,458.8 |
| 2000 | 1,127,829 | 3,132.9 |
| 2005 | 1,305,570 | 3,626.6 |
| 2010 | 1,502,519 | 4,173.7 |
| 2015 | 1,711,085 | 4,753 |
| 2020 | 1,917,031 | 5,325.1 |
| 2022 | 1,997,328 | 5,548.1 |
| 2023 | 2,037,744 | 5,660.4 |
| 2024 | 2,078,200 | 5,772.8 |
| 2025 | 2,118,587 | 5,885 |
| 2030 | 2,321,163 | 6,447.7 |
| 2035 | 2,520,726 | 7,002 |
| 2040 | 2,713,073 | 7,536.3 |
| 2045 | 2,893,632 | 8,037.9 |
| 2050 | 3,060,115 | 8,500.3 |
| 2055 | 3,213,636 | 8,926.8 |
| 2060 | 3,354,289 | 9,317.5 |
| 2065 | 3,479,351 | 9,664.9 |
| 2070 | 3,584,696 | 9,957.5 |
| 2075 | 3,666,105 | 10,183.6 |
| 2080 | 3,720,686 | 10,335.2 |
| 2085 | 3,747,183 | 10,408.8 |
| 2090 | 3,745,434 | 10,404 |
| 2095 | 3,716,189 | 10,322.7 |
| 2100 | 3,661,318 | 10,170.3 |
Data from US Census International Database