Potchefstroom Population 2026
Potchefstroom has a population of 178,285, making it the #38 biggest city in 🇿🇦 South Africa, located in North West. Roughly 0.3% of South Africa's population lives here. It is about 53× smaller than Johannesburg, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
178,285
Rank in South Africa
#38
Coordinates
26.72°S, 27.10°E
~1,335 m elevation · Africa/Johannesburg
Distance to capital (Pretoria)
153 km
95 miles, straight line
Other big cities in North West
| City | Population | Rank in South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Rustenburg | 373,695 | #19 |
| Klerksdorp | 227,039 | #32 |
| Brits | 122,497 | #56 |
| Hammanskraal | 112,950 | #61 |
| Orkney | 110,052 | #64 |
| Stilfontein | 93,110 | #73 |
| Ga-Rankuwa | 90,945 | #78 |
| Mafikeng | 77,110 | #88 |
Cities near Potchefstroom
- Stilfontein93,110 people · ~36 km away
- Parys71,319 people · ~41 km away
- Klerksdorp227,039 people · ~46 km away
- Carletonville182,304 people · ~49 km away
- Orkney110,052 people · ~52 km away
- Viljoenskroon54,955 people · ~57 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Potchefstroom?
Potchefstroom has a population of 178,285 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #38 biggest city in South Africa.
What region is Potchefstroom in?
Potchefstroom is located in North West, South Africa.
Is Potchefstroom the capital of South Africa?
No, the capital of South Africa is Pretoria, about 153 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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