Skopje's 2026 population is now estimated at 593,932. In 1981, the population of Skopje was 408,143. Skopje has grown by 28,966 in the last year, which represents a 5.13% annual change. These population values and projections come from North Macedonia settlement census series 1981-2002 (PXWeb) and World Population Review Internal Projections .
Skopje is a city located in Macedonia. It is the capital of the country, and it is also the largest city. The city has a population of 506,926 residents.
The city of Skopje has a total area of over 220 square miles, and the population density is 2,300 residents per square mile.
The population count was last officially recorded in 2002. More recent estimates show that the city has seen a drop in population, with unofficial estimates putting the population around 502,700.
Skopje is home to about one-third of the country’s total population. The largest ethnic group is Macedonians, who comprise over 66% of the total population. There is also over 20% Albanians, as well as other groups including Romani, Serbs, Turks, Bosniaks, Aromanians and a small percentage of other ethnic groups.
There are many religions observed through Skopje, with the primary religions being Orthodox and Islam. Sixteen percent of residents graduated from university, which is higher than the nation average of 10%. Eighty percent of people in Macedonia who have a PhD live in Skopje. Skopjans with no or low education is just 9%, which falls well below the province’s average of 17%.
The population has grown steadily throughout the years, exceeding 100,000 residents in the 1950s, passing 300,000 in the 1970s, and reaching over 500,000 by 2002. However, recent estimates suggest that the population has declined from the last official count held in 2002. There is nothing indicating that this will be a continuing trend. In fact, as more people continue to move from smaller towns and villages to pursue the opportunities available in Skopje, the population should continue to increase in the future.
| City | 2026 Pop. ↓ | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Skopje | 593,932 | 5.13% |
| Kumanovo | 76,200 | 0.31% |
| Bitola | 67,965 | -0.38% |
| Tetovo | 66,192 | 0.94% |
| Prilep | 62,557 | -0.24% |
| Shtip | 41,576 | -0.2% |
| Veles | 39,897 | -0.38% |
| Strumitsa | 39,322 | 0.45% |
| Ohrid | 38,014 | -0.42% |
| Kavadarci | 32,063 | 0.39% |
| Gostivar | 32,059 | -0.47% |
| Kocani | 23,742 | -0.73% |
| Kicevo | 22,555 | -0.76% |
| Gevgelija | 15,020 | -0.18% |
| Struga | 14,626 | -0.52% |
| Mala Recica | 14,162 | 2.22% |
| Vinitsa | 14,047 | 1.08% |
| Radovis | 14,029 | -0.6% |
| Kriva Palanka | 13,211 | -0.41% |
| Probishtip | 12,532 | 5.13% |
| Negotino | 12,287 | -0.32% |
| Batintsi | 11,861 | 3.35% |
| Sveti Nikole | 11,248 | -0.84% |
| Debar | 11,087 | -1.13% |
| Karposh | 9,310 | 2.27% |
| Delcevo | 9,208 | -0.91% |
| Studenicani | 8,717 | 1.72% |
| Makedonska Kamenitsa | 8,620 | 2.17% |
| Industriska Naselba | 8,234 | 0.1% |
| Arachinovo | 8,179 | 0.47% |
| Resen | 7,696 | -0.53% |
| Labunishta | 6,968 | 0.68% |
| Volkovo | 6,313 | -0.28% |
| Singelikj | 6,097 | -4.88% |
| Bogdantsi | 5,951 | -0.05% |
| Berovo | 5,580 | -0.94% |
| Radishani | 5,448 | -2.14% |
| Ilinden | 5,223 | 0.23% |
| Kratovo | 5,059 | -1.31% |
| Bogovinje | 4,985 | -0.99% |
| Chelopek | 4,264 | -0.88% |
| Krusevo | 3,831 | -1.36% |
| Vrapciste | 3,801 | -1.04% |
| Chegrane | 3,510 | -2.69% |
| Dobri Dol | 3,203 | -1.99% |
| Veleshta | 2,926 | -2.82% |
| Dolna Banjitsa | 2,277 | -2.65% |
| Orizari | 2,132 | -4.86% |
| Sopishte | 1,820 | -4.36% |
| Novo Selo | 1,532 | -4.84% |
| Saraj | 649 | -4.84% |