Largest Cities in KwaZulu-Natal

Top 71 cities ranked by largest cities

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All Countries · South Africa · KwaZulu-Natal

Largest Cities — KwaZulu-Natal

1 Durban 3,338,026

2 Pietermaritzburg 839,327

3 Newcastle 404,838

4 Richards Bay 252,968

5 KwaDukuza 161,177

6 Vryheid 150,012

7 Pinetown 144,026

8 Ladysmith 143,446

9 Mpumalanga 140,121

10 Ntuzuma 125,394

11 Dundee 84,413

12 Tongaat 64,829

13 Kokstad 61,751

14 Mondlo 53,892

15 Port Shepstone 52,793

16 eSikhaleni 49,265

17 Mandeni 37,533

18 Folweni 36,425

19 Margate 34,407

20 Wembesi 33,849

21 Mtubatuba 33,182

22 Empangeni 33,075

23 Howick 32,453

24 Richmond 32,445

25 Ulundi 31,795

26 Mpophomeni 30,830

27 Ballitoville 27,718

28 Shakaskraal 27,345

29 Estcourt 26,444

30 Scottburgh 23,949

31 Greytown 23,139

32 Mooi River 21,730

33 Glencoe 21,024

34 eMkhomazi 20,410

35 Ncotshane 19,562

36 eMuziwezinto 19,415

37 Eshowe 17,663

38 Ga-Malakhe 16,891

39 Frischgewaagd 16,192

40 Berea 15,000

41 Matatiele 14,935

42 Ixopo 14,929

43 Ekuvukeni 14,331

44 Craigieburn 13,543

45 Hopewell 13,321

46 Paulpietersburg 13,123

47 Sundumbili 12,455

48 Kgwaripe 11,519

49 Harding 11,434

50 Hazelmere 10,605

51 Dannhauser 10,378

52 Darnall 10,106

53 Inanda 10,032

54 Melmoth 9,362

55 Nongoma 9,140

56 Utrecht 8,486

57 Weenen 8,183

58 Colenso 7,653

59 Winterton 7,224

60 Trust Feed 6,901

61 Port Edward 6,872

62 Nondweni 6,691

63 Nqutu 6,533

64 Magabeni 5,904

65 Manguzi 5,534

66 Albert Falls 5,434

67 Lidgetton 5,416

68 eMkhuze 5,288

69 Cedarville 5,286

70 Charlestown 5,262

71 Cato Ridge 5,168

The largest cities in KwaZulu-Natal represent major centers of economic activity, cultural influence, and population growth. Durban leads with a population of 3,338,026, followed by Pietermaritzburg and Newcastle. These cities serve as hubs for employment, education, and innovation, attracting residents from across the country and around the world.

Population size is a key indicator of a city's economic influence and infrastructure capacity. Larger cities typically offer more diverse job markets, extensive public transit systems, and a wider range of cultural amenities. 02 dominates the top 10 with 10 cities on the list, reflecting the state's strong economic pull and quality of life.

While large populations bring economic advantages, they also present challenges including higher costs of living, traffic congestion, and housing affordability concerns. Many of these cities have experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by job opportunities in technology, healthcare, and professional services.

Did You Know?

1. Durban's population is larger than that of several U.S. states.
2. 02 has 10 cities in the top 10, more than any other state.
3. The 50th largest city still has a population of 10,605 — larger than most cities worldwide.
4. The top 5 cities combined have a population of 4,996,336.

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