Smallest Cities in South Africa

Top 100 cities ranked by smallest cities

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

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 Charlestown 02 5,262

15 Cedarville 02 5,286

16 eMkhuze 02 5,288

17 Struisbaai 11 5,301

18 Senwamokgope 09 5,328

19 Newlands 11 5,343

20 Nababeep 08 5,374

21 Pearston 05 5,410

22 Lidgetton 02 5,416

23 Ekulindeni 07 5,416

24 Uniondale 11 5,421

25 Albert Falls 02 5,434

26 Libode 05 5,464

27 Eden Glen Ext 60 06 5,494

28 Khaya Mnandi 05 5,500

29 Oakglen 08 5,504

30 Manguzi 02 5,534

31 Peddie 05 5,580

32 Zoar 11 5,582

33 James Calata 05 5,590

34 Ngema Tribal Trust 07 5,590

35 Stella 10 5,620

36 Mooinooi 10 5,670

37 Riebeek-Kasteel 11 5,704

38 Smithfield 03 5,725

39 Stanford 11 5,747

40 Ludlow 09 5,766

41 Louterwater 05 5,785

42 Carnarvon 08 5,785

43 Tshandama 09 5,842

44 Reddersburg 03 5,854

45 Orinoco A 07 5,884

46 Qumbu 05 5,904

47 Magabeni 02 5,904

48 St Francis Bay 05 5,910

49 Port Saint John’s 05 5,939

50 Thabakgolo 07 5,939

51 Nthabalala 09 5,969

52 Kareedouw 05 5,972

53 Venterstad 05 5,977

54 Doornkop 07 6,037

55 Murraysburg 11 6,073

56 Perdekop 07 6,087

57 eMakhazeni B 07 6,118

58 Oranjeville 03 6,189

59 Justicia 09 6,221

60 Dullstroom 07 6,256

61 Lutzville 11 6,268

62 Riviersonderend 11 6,284

63 Godide 07 6,291

64 Patensie 05 6,304

65 Trompsburg 03 6,395

66 Mount Ayliff 05 6,431

67 Grootvlei 07 6,487

68 Dealesville 03 6,524

69 Nqutu 02 6,533

70 Amalia 10 6,566

71 Simon's Town 11 6,569

72 Botrivier 11 6,594

73 Madras A 07 6,635

74 Paterson 05 6,687

75 Nondweni 02 6,691

76 Kranshoek 11 6,705

77 Jansenville 05 6,723

78 Itekeng 10 6,740

79 Genadendal 11 6,784

80 Laingsburg 11 6,789

81 Lillydale 09 6,799

82 Maviljan A 07 6,829

83 Cookhouse 05 6,837

84 Tsolo 05 6,860

85 Jagersfontein 03 6,865

86 Port Edward 02 6,872

87 Trust Feed 02 6,901

88 Merry Pebble Stream 09 6,905

89 Constantia 11 6,922

90 Tweespruit 03 6,939

91 Mathibela 09 6,943

92 Eastleigh 06 6,988

93 Glenmore 07 7,180

94 Madyembeni 07 7,210

95 Winterton 02 7,224

96 Tarkastad 05 7,260

97 KwaThandeka 07 7,289

98 Edinburgh A 07 7,305

99 Lothair 07 7,306

100 Lamberts Bay 11 7,332

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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