Welkom Population 2026
Welkom has a population of 431,944, making it the #16 biggest city in 🇿🇦 South Africa, located in Free State. Roughly 0.7% of South Africa's population lives here. It is about 22× smaller than Johannesburg, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
431,944
Rank in South Africa
#16
Coordinates
27.98°S, 26.74°E
~1,376 m elevation · Africa/Johannesburg
Distance to capital (Pretoria)
287 km
178 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Free State
| City | Population | Rank in South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Bloemfontein | 556,637 | #11 |
| Botshabelo | 309,714 | #23 |
| Sasolburg | 135,828 | #51 |
| Virginia | 122,502 | #55 |
| Kroonstad | 117,152 | #59 |
| Kutloanong | 95,008 | #72 |
| Bethlehem | 91,075 | #77 |
| Phuthaditjhaba | 84,258 | #85 |
Cities near Welkom
- Odendaalsrus76,371 people · ~12 km away
- Kutloanong95,008 people · ~16 km away
- Virginia122,502 people · ~19 km away
- Kroonstad117,152 people · ~61 km away
- Bothaville71,934 people · ~66 km away
- Viljoenskroon54,955 people · ~88 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Welkom?
Welkom has a population of 431,944 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #16 biggest city in South Africa.
What region is Welkom in?
Welkom is located in Free State, South Africa.
Is Welkom the capital of South Africa?
No, the capital of South Africa is Pretoria, about 287 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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