Smallest Cities in South Africa

Top 100 cities ranked by smallest cities

Smallest Cities - South Africa

1 Babirwa 09 5,006
2 Boipelo 10 5,010
3 Napier 11 5,048
4 Kgapamadi 07 5,049
5 Hazyview 07 5,074
6 Calitzdorp 11 5,133
7 Languedoc 11 5,138
8 Matsavana 07 5,157
9 Cato Ridge 02 5,168
10 Kylemore 11 5,185
11 Riebeek West 11 5,211
12 GaSekhaolelo 09 5,232
13 Kumana 07 5,235
14 Riviersonderend 11 5,245
15 Charlestown 02 5,262
16 Cedarville 02 5,286
17 eMkhuze 02 5,288
18 Struisbaai 11 5,301
19 Senwamokgope 09 5,328
20 Newlands 11 5,343
21 Nababeep 08 5,374
22 Pearston 05 5,410
23 Lidgetton 02 5,416
24 Ekulindeni 07 5,416
25 Uniondale 11 5,421
26 Albert Falls 02 5,434
27 Libode 05 5,464
28 Eden Glen Ext 60 06 5,494
29 Khaya Mnandi 05 5,500
30 Oakglen 08 5,504
31 Manguzi 02 5,534
32 Peddie 05 5,580
33 Zoar 11 5,582
34 James Calata 05 5,590
35 Ngema Tribal Trust 07 5,590
36 Stella 10 5,620
37 Genadendal 11 5,663
38 Mooinooi 10 5,670
39 Riebeek-Kasteel 11 5,704
40 Smithfield 03 5,725
41 Ludlow 09 5,766
42 Louterwater 05 5,785
43 Carnarvon 08 5,785
44 Tshandama 09 5,842
45 Reddersburg 03 5,854
46 Orinoco A 07 5,884
47 Qumbu 05 5,904
48 Magabeni 02 5,904
49 St Francis Bay 05 5,910
50 Port Saint John’s 05 5,939
51 Thabakgolo 07 5,939
52 Nthabalala 09 5,969
53 Kareedouw 05 5,972
54 Venterstad 05 5,977
55 Doornkop 07 6,037
56 Murraysburg 11 6,073
57 Perdekop 07 6,087
58 eMakhazeni B 07 6,118
59 Lamberts Bay 11 6,120
60 Oranjeville 03 6,189
61 Justicia 09 6,221
62 Klawer 11 6,234
63 Dullstroom 07 6,256
64 Lutzville 11 6,268
65 Vanrhynsdorp 11 6,272
66 Godide 07 6,291
67 Patensie 05 6,304
68 Trompsburg 03 6,395
69 Mount Ayliff 05 6,431
70 Hopefield 11 6,460
71 Grootvlei 07 6,487
72 Dealesville 03 6,524
73 Nqutu 02 6,533
74 Amalia 10 6,566
75 Simon's Town 11 6,569
76 Botrivier 11 6,594
77 Kleinmond 11 6,634
78 Madras A 07 6,635
79 Paterson 05 6,687
80 Nondweni 02 6,691
81 Kranshoek 11 6,705
82 Jansenville 05 6,723
83 Itekeng 10 6,740
84 Laingsburg 11 6,789
85 Lillydale 09 6,799
86 Maviljan A 07 6,829
87 Cookhouse 05 6,837
88 Tsolo 05 6,860
89 Jagersfontein 03 6,865
90 Port Edward 02 6,872
91 Trust Feed 02 6,901
92 Merry Pebble Stream 09 6,905
93 Constantia 11 6,922
94 Tweespruit 03 6,939
95 Mathibela 09 6,943
96 Eastleigh 06 6,988
97 Porterville 11 7,057
98 Citrusdal 11 7,177
99 Glenmore 07 7,180
100 Madyembeni 07 7,210

The smallest cities in South Africa (with populations above 5,000) offer a different quality of life compared to major metropolitan areas. Babirwa has a population of just 5,006. These communities often feature lower costs of living, stronger neighborhood connections, and less congestion.

Small cities can offer significant advantages for residents seeking affordable housing, shorter commutes, and a close-knit community feel. Many serve as regional centers for surrounding rural areas, providing essential services while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.

Despite their smaller size, many of these cities have thriving local economies, good school systems, and access to outdoor recreation. They represent an alternative to the fast-paced lifestyle of major metropolitan areas.

Did You Know?

  • 1. At 5,006 residents, Babirwa is smaller than a single large apartment complex in New York City.
  • 2. Small cities (5,000-10,000) make up the majority of incorporated places in the United States.
  • 3. Many of the smallest cities serve as county seats or regional service centers for surrounding rural communities.

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