Oulu Population 2026
Oulu has a population of 216,066, making it the #5 biggest city in 🇫🇮 Finland, located in North Ostrobothnia. Roughly 3.8% of Finland's population lives here. It is about 3.0× smaller than Helsinki, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
216,066
Rank in Finland
#5
Coordinates
65.01°N, 25.47°E
~15 m elevation · Europe/Helsinki
Distance to capital (Helsinki)
539 km
335 miles, straight line
Other big cities in North Ostrobothnia
| City | Population | Rank in Finland |
|---|---|---|
| Raahe | 23,566 | #44 |
| Haukipudas | 17,298 | #68 |
| Ylivieska | 15,375 | #76 |
Cities near Oulu
FAQ
What is the population of Oulu?
Oulu has a population of 216,066 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #5 biggest city in Finland.
What region is Oulu in?
Oulu is located in North Ostrobothnia, Finland.
Is Oulu the capital of Finland?
No, the capital of Finland is Helsinki, about 539 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.
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