Most Dense in South Africa

Top 100 cities ranked by most dense

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · South Africa

Most Dense — South Africa

1 Alexandra 06 67,275/mi²

2 Bhisho 05 44,002/mi²

3 Hammanskraal 10 38,549/mi²

4 Durban 02 38,271/mi²

5 Bronkhorstspruit 06 34,341/mi²

6 Lansdowne 11 32,220/mi²

7 Thembisa 06 30,953/mi²

8 Stellenbosch 11 30,260/mi²

9 Tokoza 06 29,121/mi²

10 Delmas 07 27,313/mi²

11 Rosebank 11 23,810/mi²

12 Soweto 06 21,951/mi²

13 eSikhaleni 02 21,607/mi²

14 Pietermaritzburg 02 17,252/mi²

15 Johannesburg 06 14,838/mi²

16 Grabouw 11 14,588/mi²

17 Newcastle 02 13,836/mi²

18 Klapmuts 11 13,572/mi²

19 Carletonville 06 13,434/mi²

20 Retreat 11 12,682/mi²

21 Coligny 10 12,322/mi²

22 Flagstaff 05 11,808/mi²

23 Saron 11 11,459/mi²

24 Villiersdorp 11 10,702/mi²

25 Somerset West 11 9,506/mi²

26 Paarl 11 9,439/mi²

27 Phuthaditjhaba 03 9,158/mi²

28 Vredenburg 11 8,660/mi²

29 Ulundi 02 8,009/mi²

30 Pretoria 06 7,959/mi²

31 Viljoenskroon 03 7,953/mi²

32 East London 05 7,912/mi²

33 Wesselsbron 03 7,822/mi²

34 Mthatha 05 7,769/mi²

35 Botshabelo 03 7,714/mi²

36 Siyabuswa 07 7,685/mi²

37 Wolseley 11 7,530/mi²

38 Atlantis 11 7,427/mi²

39 Franschhoek 11 7,353/mi²

40 Tulbagh 11 7,310/mi²

41 Laingsburg 11 7,300/mi²

42 Boksburg 06 7,102/mi²

43 Polokwane 09 6,605/mi²

44 George 11 6,311/mi²

45 Muizenberg 11 6,300/mi²

46 Rondebosch 11 6,112/mi²

47 Bloemfontein 03 6,104/mi²

48 Hermanus 11 6,030/mi²

49 Malmesbury 11 5,924/mi²

50 Emalahleni 07 5,888/mi²

51 Parys 03 5,616/mi²

52 Roodepoort 06 5,234/mi²

53 Randburg 06 5,197/mi²

54 Oudtshoorn 11 5,075/mi²

55 Cape Town 11 5,036/mi²

56 Giyani 09 4,917/mi²

57 Kraaifontein 11 4,866/mi²

58 Mossel Bay 11 4,846/mi²

59 Alice 05 4,774/mi²

60 Citrusdal 11 4,750/mi²

61 Lusikisiki 05 4,681/mi²

62 Durbanville 11 4,562/mi²

63 Worcester 11 4,515/mi²

64 Ga-Rankuwa 10 4,513/mi²

65 Dundee 02 4,500/mi²

66 Genadendal 11 4,434/mi²

67 Brakpan 06 4,331/mi²

68 Pinetown 02 4,330/mi²

69 Queenstown 05 4,308/mi²

70 Alberton 06 4,080/mi²

71 Kimberley 08 4,071/mi²

72 Jeffreys Bay 05 4,044/mi²

73 Newlands 11 3,987/mi²

74 Mbombela 07 3,929/mi²

75 Velddrif 11 3,859/mi²

76 Stanford 11 3,806/mi²

77 Robertson 11 3,782/mi²

78 Qonce 05 3,679/mi²

79 Libode 05 3,595/mi²

80 Vanderbijlpark 06 3,590/mi²

81 Calvinia 08 3,526/mi²

82 Darling 11 3,487/mi²

83 Mokopane 09 3,485/mi²

84 Albertina 11 3,439/mi²

85 Rustenburg 10 3,427/mi²

86 Sedgefield 11 3,323/mi²

87 Fort Beaufort 05 3,276/mi²

88 Vanrhynsdorp 11 3,253/mi²

89 Molteno 05 3,117/mi²

90 Kokstad 02 3,102/mi²

91 Margate 02 3,050/mi²

92 Klawer 11 3,024/mi²

93 Lady Frere 05 2,936/mi²

94 Riviersonderend 11 2,923/mi²

95 Piketberg 11 2,903/mi²

96 Kleinmond 11 2,890/mi²

97 Hlohlolwane 03 2,873/mi²

98 Brits 10 2,766/mi²

99 Porterville 11 2,745/mi²

100 Humansdorp 05 2,608/mi²

The most densely populated cities in South Africa pack the most residents per square mile, creating vibrant urban environments with walkable neighborhoods and extensive public transit. Alexandra leads with 67,275 people per square mile.

High population density is often associated with better access to public transportation, more walkable streets, and a wider variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options within close proximity. These cities tend to have lower car ownership rates and shorter commute distances.

Dense cities face unique challenges including higher housing costs, limited parking, and potential overcrowding in public spaces. However, they also tend to have lower per-capita carbon footprints due to shared infrastructure and reduced driving.

Did You Know?

1. Alexandra has 67,275 people per square mile — that's roughly 105 people per acre.
2. Dense cities tend to have the most walkable neighborhoods and lowest car ownership rates in the country.
3. Urban density can reduce per-capita carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to suburban sprawl.

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