Israel Population Reaches 10.3 Million as CBS Publishes Annual Report
Israel's population has reached 10.3 million, driven by natural growth despite negative net migration. Over 90% report overall life satisfaction, alongside high life expectancy.
Ahead of the Jewish New Year, the Central Bureau of Statistics has released its traditional demographic report summarizing the past year, painting a complex portrait of Israeli society.
Israel's population is estimated at approximately 10.3 million people, having grown by about 124,000 individuals (1.2%) since last Rosh Hashanah. In demographic terms, the Jewish population stands at roughly 7.828 million residents (78.3% of all Israelis), while the Arab population numbers about 2.173 million (21.7%). Additionally, some 304,000 foreign residents live in the country. Globally, there are currently around 15.9 million Jews worldwide, with 46% of them residing in the State of Israel.
Migration Balance and Natural Growth
One of the most prominent figures in the current report is the international migration balance, which has turned negative, draining approximately 8,000 net people from the country's population over the past year. While 24,000 new immigrants arrived in Israel (alongside some 4,000 others under family unification) and about 21,000 Israelis returned from abroad, the number of departing citizens was significantly higher, at roughly 57,000 who emigrated to other nations.
This trend continues the pattern observed in 2025, which saw the departure of 69,500 Israelis alongside a decline in immigrant arrivals. Overall, since the founding of the state, 3.51 million immigrants have arrived in Israel. Population growth relies primarily on natural increase: during the past year, about 182,000 babies were born in Israel, compared to approximately 50,000 deaths.
Society, Health, and Public Sentiment
Among adult Jews, 39.6% define themselves as secular, while 21.8% identify as traditional non-religious, 14% as traditional-religious, 12.4% as religious, and 11.5% as ultra-orthodox. The Israeli family unit remains exceptionally large compared to the Western world, averaging 3.17 persons per household and boasting a fertility rate of 2.88 children per woman—double the OECD average of just 1.41. In 2024, 53,025 couples tied the knot, while 16,499 couples divorced.
In the healthcare sector, Israel maintains a top global standing. Life expectancy continued to climb in 2025, reaching 81.4 years for men and 85.9 years for women. Internationally, Israeli men share seventh place alongside Australia, Iceland, and Japan, while Israeli women rank eighth. The education system also reflects population growth, with over two million students in the current school year and a projected growth of 5.4% by the beginning of the next decade.
Despite security challenges, traffic congestion, and the cost of living, approximately 92.2% of the public are satisfied with their lives overall. This figure spans sectors, including 92.6% of Jews and 90.6% of Arabs. However, the economic picture is more complex. While 70% of Israelis are satisfied with their financial situation, nearly 30% are not.
«Roughly a quarter of the population—about one and a half million citizens—report that they struggle to cover all monthly household expenses. There is also room for improvement in work-life balance, with about a third of Israelis dissatisfied with how they manage their time.»
