Alajuela: population and official figures
What is the population of Alajuela?
Alajuela had 329,161 inhabitants (city proper) on 1 July 2023, according to an official estimate (usual residents) reported to the United Nations.
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyHow does Alajuela rank among cities in Costa Rica?
Of the 12 cities the UN table lists for Costa Rica (capitals and places of 100,000 or more), it is 2nd largest.
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyHow many women and men live in Alajuela?
Women and girls made up 49.4% of residents (162,515 female, 166,646 male).
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyHow big is Alajuela?
It covers 392 km², about 840 people per km².
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyWho runs Alajuela?
In Costa Rica, cities and towns are run by cantons / municipalities: Mayor (alcalde) and council of 5–13 regidores elected for four years. Urban planning, local roads, waste, local taxes and permits (Article 170 and the Municipal Code).
How local power works in Costa Rica
Cities of a similar size in Costa Rica
- San José 356,056
Up a level: all cities in Costa Rica · Costa Rica · government and power
Sources
- United Nations Statistics Division: Demographic Yearbook 2024, Table 8: Population of capital cities and cities of 100 000 or more inhabitants, latest available year, 2005-2024, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 0c6784df022e…)
- United Nations Statistics Division: Demographic Yearbook 2024, technical notes to Table 8, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 b0d2d6d8ccd6…)
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