Most Dense in KwaZulu-Natal

Top 71 cities ranked by most dense

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All Countries · South Africa · KwaZulu-Natal

Most Dense — KwaZulu-Natal

1 Durban 38,271/mi²

2 eSikhaleni 21,607/mi²

3 Pietermaritzburg 17,252/mi²

4 Newcastle 13,836/mi²

5 Ulundi 8,009/mi²

6 Dundee 4,500/mi²

7 Pinetown 4,330/mi²

8 Kokstad 3,102/mi²

9 Margate 3,050/mi²

10 Colenso 2,030/mi²

11 Port Edward 736/mi²

12 Richards Bay 621/mi²

13 Charlestown 620/mi²

14 Ntuzuma 454/mi²

15 KwaDukuza 320/mi²

16 Scottburgh 145/mi²

17 Mandeni 140/mi²

18 eMuziwezinto 118/mi²

19 Mpumalanga 108/mi²

20 Ladysmith 107/mi²

21 Empangeni 81/mi²

22 Vryheid 81/mi²

23 Port Shepstone 78/mi²

24 Richmond 63/mi²

25 Ballitoville 55/mi²

26 Berea 54/mi²

27 Shakaskraal 54/mi²

28 Tongaat 50/mi²

29 Sundumbili 46/mi²

30 Mtubatuba 44/mi²

31 Howick 42/mi²

32 Mpophomeni 40/mi²

33 Wembesi 37/mi²

34 Ekuvukeni 34/mi²

35 Mondlo 29/mi²

36 Estcourt 29/mi²

37 Folweni 28/mi²

38 Hopewell 26/mi²

39 Glencoe 25/mi²

40 Ga-Malakhe 25/mi²

41 Ixopo 22/mi²

42 Greytown 21/mi²

43 Darnall 20/mi²

44 Harding 20/mi²

45 Melmoth 19/mi²

46 Frischgewaagd 19/mi²

47 Mooi River 18/mi²

48 Eshowe 17/mi²

49 eMkhomazi 16/mi²

50 Paulpietersburg 16/mi²

51 Kgwaripe 15/mi²

52 Dannhauser 13/mi²

53 Ncotshane 12/mi²

54 Craigieburn 10/mi²

55 Weenen 9/mi²

56 Nongoma 9/mi²

57 Trust Feed 9/mi²

58 Hazelmere 8/mi²

59 Inanda 8/mi²

60 Matatiele 7/mi²

61 Lidgetton 7/mi²

62 Albert Falls 7/mi²

63 Nondweni 6/mi²

64 Nqutu 6/mi²

65 Utrecht 5/mi²

66 Magabeni 5/mi²

67 Manguzi 4/mi²

68 Cato Ridge 4/mi²

69 Winterton 4/mi²

70 eMkhuze 4/mi²

71 Cedarville 3/mi²

The most densely populated cities in KwaZulu-Natal pack the most residents per square mile, creating vibrant urban environments with walkable neighborhoods and extensive public transit. Durban leads with 38,271 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. Durban has 38,271 people per square mile — that's roughly 60 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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