Israel's Population Nears 10.3 Million Amid High Birth Rate and Return Migration

Israel's population has surpassed 10.3 million people as of the eve of Rosh Hashanah 5787, according to data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics. The population grew by 1.2% over the past year, adding approximately 124,000 individuals. This growth is significantly driven by a high birth rate, with about 182,000 babies born since the previous Rosh Hashanah, far exceeding the number of deaths (around 50,000). Israel's fertility rate stands at 2.88 children per woman, more than double the OECD average of 1.41.

In addition to births, immigration also contributed to the population increase. Around 21,000 Israelis who had previously emigrated returned to the country, while approximately 24,000 new immigrants and 4,000 individuals through family reunification also arrived. These figures highlight a notable trend of Israelis returning home.

The housing market presents a mixed picture. While the overall housing price index saw a slight decrease of 1%, and new apartment prices dropped by 2.8%, rental prices increased by 4.3%. The average apartment price in Israel is now around 2.33 million shekels, with the average monthly rent at approximately 4,919 shekels.

Despite economic challenges, a significant majority of Israelis report satisfaction with their lives. A surprising 92.2% of adults aged 20 and over are satisfied with their lives, and 70.2% are content with their economic situation. However, a substantial portion of the population, about 1.5 million people (23.4%), struggle to cover their monthly expenses. This financial strain leads some to make difficult choices, with 6.8% reporting going without food due to financial difficulties and 24% of those needing dental care foregoing it.