Valencia Exceeds 858,000 Inhabitants, Consolidating as Spain's Third Largest City

The Valencian capital has gained up to 17,000 residents in one year, according to provisional municipal registry data.

Generic image of a modern city skyline at dusk, with illuminated buildings and a river reflecting the lights, representing urban growth.
IA

Generic image of a modern city skyline at dusk, with illuminated buildings and a river reflecting the lights, representing urban growth.

The city of Valencia has recorded a significant population increase, exceeding 858,000 inhabitants according to the municipal registry, which consolidates its position as the third most populated city in Spain.

Provisional data from the municipal registry of the Valencia City Council, as of January 1, 2026, indicate that the city has 858,178 inhabitants. This figure confirms the demographic growth of the capital of the Turia during the last year and strengthens its position behind Madrid and Barcelona.
However, the provisional estimate from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) for the same period is slightly lower, placing Valencia's population at 849,400 inhabitants. This discrepancy of 8,778 people will necessitate a contrast procedure between the two administrations.
The process will include an appeals phase to review the data before approving the city's definitive population, which is scheduled for the end of this year. This procedure is common when there are differences between municipal data and INE estimates.
Compared to January 1, 2025, when the definitive population was 840,792 inhabitants, Valencia has gained population. If the municipal registry is used as a reference, the increase would be 17,386 inhabitants in one year. If the provisional INE figure is used, the increase would be 8,608 people.
Valencia's demographic growth has a direct impact on the planning of public services, mobility, housing, facilities, cleaning, transport, and urban management. The definitive figure approved at the end of the year will officially mark the city's population as of January 1, 2026.