Málaga, situated on Spain’s southern coast, is a city steeped in history, renowned for its Mediterranean climate and vibrant cultural scene. This has made it one of the most sought-after destinations in the country.
As a result, the city has seen significant growth in recent years, including a notable increase in population. Discover Málaga's latest population figures according to the most recent Spanish Statistics Institute (INE) census.
Málaga's population
Málaga’s population has seen steady growth in recent years, cementing its status as one of Spain’s most dynamic cities in terms of demographics. According to the latest 2024 INE census, Málaga's population now stands at 591,637.
This places Málaga as the sixth-largest city in Spain, following Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and Zaragoza. Notably, it is the last of these cities to surpass the half-million mark in population.
Málaga province population
Although a large portion of Málaga’s population is concentrated in the capital, there are several other sizable municipalities, particularly along the Costa del Sol.
If you're curious about the population of Málaga province according to the 2024 census, it was 1,778,275 inhabitants in July of this year. This makes it the sixth most populous province in Spain, accounting for 3.65% of the country’s total population.
Which city has a bigger population, Seville or Málaga?
Many wonder which of Andalusia’s two main cities – Seville or Málaga – is larger. At present, Seville's population is around 680,000, making it larger than Málaga when considering the cities alone.
At the provincial level, Seville also remains ahead, though the gap is narrower. The province of Seville has a total population of 1,969,075, a figure not far from that of Málaga, which benefits from a densely populated Costa del Sol.
How many inhabitants does Málaga have in summer?
During the summer, Málaga experiences a significant population surge as tourists arrive to enjoy its beaches and vibrant cultural life. This seasonal influx transforms the city, bringing its streets and coastline to life.
According to various local media sources, the Costa del Sol’s population can triple during the summer months, exceeding 2.5 million people. Málaga city itself also sees a notable rise in population during this period.
Málaga's population in 1936
To understand how Málaga’s population has evolved over the past century, it’s useful to take a step back in time. In 1936, just before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, the city had around 200,000 inhabitants.
The most significant population boom occurred between the 1970s and 1980s, with the population rising from 360,000 in 1970 to 502,000 by 1981. Although growth has slowed in recent decades, it remains steady, and Málaga is expected to surpass Seville in population in the coming years.
Living in Málaga
Málaga, located on Spain’s southern coast, is a city that beautifully blends history, culture and modernity. Boasting a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year, it offers residents an enviable outdoor lifestyle. Living in Málaga means embracing a cosmopolitan atmosphere where tradition and contemporary living coexist in perfect harmony.
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