(haipo) – Haifa, one of the central and oldest cities in Israel, continues to present a unique combination of a diverse population, a broad education system, extensive economic activity and social challenges. According to Central Bureau of Statistics data for 2023, the city is characterized by high density, a relatively high education rate, but also by negative immigration data and economic gaps. Below is an up-to-date snapshot of the city of Haifa for 2023, according to CBS data.
Population and demographic composition
- Total population: 298,311 residents
- Religious composition: 71.9% Jews, 7.1% Muslims, 6.4% Christians, 0.2% Druze, 14.4% others
- Population density: 4,539.6 people per square kilometer
- Natural increase: 902 residents (rate of 3.1 per 1,000)
- Life expectancy: 83.3 years
Immigration: Negative balance
- Internal migration balance: negative — 2,098 residents
- Total new immigrants who settled in the city: 6,652
- Percentage of immigrants born in 1990+ in the population: 26.1%
- Immigration within the PA: High — 18,228 residents
The meaning: Haifa continues to lose residents to other localities, but partially compensates through positive migration from abroad and internal movement within the city.
Education and enlightenment
- Number of students: 46,192
- Number of schools: 128
- Eligibility for matriculation: 76.9% of students, of whom 66.8% meet the university's threshold requirements
- Higher education: 24.5% have a bachelor's degree, 17.1% have a master's degree
- Teaching staff: 5,162, with an average seniority of 16.2 years
Employment and income
- Average salary: 12,823 NIS
- Men: 15,773 NIS
- Women: 9,992 NIS
- Rate of people earning below minimum wage: 33.2%
- Percentage earning below the median wage: 49.5%
- Unemployment: 5.6% of people aged 20–67
- Average unemployment benefits per day: 228 NIS
Well-being and health
- Number of people with disabilities: 43,666
- Recipients of long-term care benefits: 8% of them
- Diabetes cases: 25,887 (rate of 55.9 per 1,000)
- Cancer cases: 678 men, 832 women
Transportation and road safety
- Private vehicles in the city: 123,414
- Average age of a private vehicle: 6.5 years
- Road accidents with injuries: 431
- Lethality: 10
- Difficulties: 98
- Ease: 323
- Accident rate per 1,000 residents: 1.4
- Deaths: 10
The municipal budget
- Expenses per capita: 12,033 NIS
- Per capita income: 12,036 NIS
- Total annual budget: 3.87 billion NIS
- Education spending: 837 million NIS
- Welfare spending: 356 million NIS
- Residential property tax revenue: 1.55 billion NIS
Religious Distribution – Haifa
- 71.9% Jews
- 14.4% Others
- 7.1% Muslims
- 6.4% Christians
- 0.2% Druze
Haifa continues to be one of the most mixed and diverse cities in Israel.
Waste and Recycling – Haifa
- 1.7 kg of waste per day per person
- 25% turnover
This figure places Haifa slightly above the national average in turnover, but still far from OECD targets.
Summary
Haifa continues to be a major city in Israel, with a strong education system, a diverse population, and a high literacy rate. However, negative immigration data, economic disparities, and challenges in transportation and safety pose a significant challenge to the city’s decision-makers. The CBS data paints a complex picture of a city rich in resources, but also with social and economic sensitivities.
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