Loja Population 2026
Loja has a population of 274,112, making it the #9 biggest city in 🇪🇨 Ecuador, located in Loja. Roughly 1.5% of Ecuador's population lives here. It is about 10× smaller than Quito, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
274,112
Rank in Ecuador
#9
Coordinates
3.99°S, 79.20°W
~2,060 m elevation · America/Guayaquil
Distance to capital (Quito)
425 km
264 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Loja
| City | Population | Rank in Ecuador |
|---|---|---|
| Catamayo | 18,565 | #58 |
| Cariamanga | 16,862 | #65 |
Cities near Loja
- Catamayo18,565 people · ~17 km away
- Zamora15,276 people · ~29 km away
- Cariamanga16,862 people · ~54 km away
- Piñas16,981 people · ~63 km away
- Pasaje44,860 people · ~100 km away
- Santa Rosa41,816 people · ~103 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Loja?
Loja has a population of 274,112 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #9 biggest city in Ecuador.
What region is Loja in?
Loja is located in Loja, Ecuador.
Is Loja the capital of Ecuador?
No, the capital of Ecuador is Quito, about 425 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
← All biggest cities in Ecuador · Ecuador population by year