Jos Population 2026
Jos has a population of 1,040,000, making it the #13 biggest city in 🇳🇬 Nigeria, located in Plateau State. Roughly 0.4% of Nigeria's population lives here. It is about 15× smaller than Lagos, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
1,040,000
Rank in Nigeria
#13
Coordinates
9.93°N, 8.89°E
~1,186 m elevation · Africa/Lagos
Distance to capital (Abuja)
181 km
112 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Plateau State
Cities near Jos
FAQ
What is the population of Jos?
Jos has a population of 1,040,000 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #13 biggest city in Nigeria.
What region is Jos in?
Jos is located in Plateau State, Nigeria.
Is Jos the capital of Nigeria?
No, the capital of Nigeria is Abuja, about 181 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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