San José: population and official figures
What is the population of San José?
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, had 356,056 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 San José 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 the largest.
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyHow many women and men live in San José?
Women and girls made up 50.4% of residents (179,333 female, 176,723 male).
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyHow big is San José?
It covers 45 km², about 7,912 people per km².
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyWho runs San José?
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
- Alajuela 329,161
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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