Israel's Population Grows to 10.3 Million Amid Economic Hardship

Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics has released its annual report ahead of the Jewish New Year, painting a complex picture of the nation. The population has surpassed 10.3 million, with growth driven by births, though a negative net migration rate also contributed. The report indicates a rise in life expectancy and high levels of life satisfaction among Israelis, yet a significant portion of the population struggles with monthly expenses.

The population now stands at approximately 10.305 million, comprising about 7.828 million Jews and others, and 2.173 million Arabs, alongside 304,000 foreign nationals. The population increased by 1.2% over the past year, with 182,000 births and 50,000 deaths. However, emigration outpaced immigration, with 57,000 Israelis leaving the country and only 21,000 returning, while 24,000 new immigrants arrived, resulting in a net loss of 8,000 Israelis. Globally, 46% of the world's 15.9 million Jews reside in Israel.

Economic disparities are evident, with the average net household income at 21,606 shekels per month, while the average salary for an employee is 13,884 shekels. The high-tech sector leads with an average monthly salary of 33,097 shekels. Regarding housing, 64.1% of households own their homes, with the average apartment price around 2.33 million shekels and average rent at 4,919 shekels.

Despite these figures, a concerning 23.4% of Israelis find it difficult to cover all their monthly household expenses. A stark statistic reveals that 6.8% of the population went without food in the past year due to financial difficulties. The consumer price index rose by 2.6% in 2025, following an 18% cumulative increase over the last five years.

In contrast, health and well-being indicators remain strong. Life expectancy in Israel exceeds the OECD average, with men living to 81.4 years and women to 85.9 years. A significant 84.2% of adults aged 20 and over report their health as "very good" or "good." Furthermore, 92.2% of Israelis express satisfaction with their lives. Nevertheless, mental health challenges persist, with 26.3% reporting frequent stress and 20.7% experiencing loneliness.