León Population 2026
León has a population of 144,538, making it the #2 biggest city in 🇳🇮 Nicaragua, located in León Department. Roughly 2.0% of Nicaragua's population lives here. It is about 6.7× smaller than Managua, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
144,538
Rank in Nicaragua
#2
Coordinates
12.44°N, 86.88°W
~102 m elevation · America/Managua
Distance to capital (Managua)
76 km
47 miles, straight line
Other big cities in León Department
| City | Population | Rank in Nicaragua |
|---|---|---|
| Nagarote | 26,270 | #24 |
| La Paz Centro | 23,481 | #26 |
Cities near León
- Chichigalpa33,137 people · ~22 km away
- La Paz Centro23,481 people · ~24 km away
- Corinto19,183 people · ~32 km away
- Chinandega126,387 people · ~35 km away
- Nagarote26,270 people · ~39 km away
- El Viejo53,504 people · ~40 km away
FAQ
What is the population of León?
León has a population of 144,538 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #2 biggest city in Nicaragua.
What region is León in?
León is located in León Department, Nicaragua.
Is León the capital of Nicaragua?
No, the capital of Nicaragua is Managua, about 76 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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