Distribution of cities and urban-type settlements by population size
From 1989 to 2024, the number of cities and urban-type settlements in the country varied by size. The list presents the distribution of settlements by population: from small localities of up to 3 thousand people to the largest metropolises. Rows are categorized into population groups, showing the structure of urban settlement. The data covers all cities and urban-type settlements over thirty-five years
Cities and urban-type settlements – total —
- 1 million and more — Population, thousand persons
- 100 – 499,9 — Population, thou. persons
- 500 – 999,9 — Population, thou. persons
- 20 – 49,9 — Population, thou. persons
- 50 – 99,9 — Population, thou. persons
- 10 – 19,9 — Population, thou. persons
- 5 – 9,9 — Population, thou. persons
Distribution of cities and urban-type settlements by population size, 1989–2024
All rows relate to: Cities and urban-type settlements – total
Who grew, who fell: 1989 → 2024
See also
- Divorces in Russia by year long time series by year
- Marriages in Russia by year long time series by year
- Перевозки пассажиров в России по годам: статистика indicator breakdown
Set in numbers
Rosstat data for 1989–2024. Series: 52, periods: 6. Breakdown: Cities and urban-type settlements – total — Cities and urban…; Cities and urban-type settlements – total — Population, thou…; Cities and urban-type settlements – total — up to 3 — Cities a…; Cities and urban-type settlements – total — up to 3 — Populati…; Cities and urban-type settlements – total — 3 – 4.9 — Citie… and others
Cities and urban-type settlements – total — Population, thou. persons: the indicator increased from 107 959 to 109 569 in 1989–2024 — by 1.49%. The highest value — 109 569 (2024), the lowest — 105 314 (2010). This is an average annual growth of 0.04%. Up to 2022 the change was +1.1%, after — +0.39%. Of the 25 largest series, 10 increased, 15 decreased
All table numbers are series: 52
How to read this table
Rows are differentiated by population size groups, which categorize each settlement. Comparing data across different years shows changes in the number of small and large urban settlements. The table contains 26 rows, including the total for all cities and urban-type settlements. This information reflects the dynamics of urban development in Russia over several decades
What is visible in these numbers
Top five values: Cities and urban-type settlements – total — Po… (109 569), Cities and urban-type settlements – total — G… (102 543), Cities and urban-type settlements – total — 1… (35 622), Cities and urban-type settlements – total — 1… (28 858), Cities and urban-type settlements – total — 5… (15 755). The gap between the highest and lowest is 6 848 times. The top five account for 85.8% of the total across all positions — the distribution is heavily skewed toward the top
Observations are annual; total periods 6. 150 of 150 possible values filled (100%) — almost no empty cells remain
More in the section Russian Statistical Yearbook»
Period and application
The statistics are compiled from the 2025 yearbook and are relevant for analyzing demographic processes. This information is useful for urbanists, demographers, and regional development specialists. Data is updated based on annual censuses and population estimates
How it is calculated
Rosstat notes: Data are provided as follows: 1989 — based on the population census of 12 January, 2002 — based on the population census of 9 October, 2010 — based on the population census of 14 October, for subsequent years — estimate as of 1 January of the corresponding year. Data as of 1 January 2025 are temporarily not published in accordance with part 10 of Article 5 of the Federal Law of 29 November 2007 No. 282-FZ 'On Official Statistical Accounting and the State Statistical System in the Russian Federation'
1) Данные приведены: 1989 г. - по пеpеписи населения на 12 января, 2002 г. – по переписи населения на 9 октября, 2010 г. – по переписи населения на 14 октября, за последующие годы - оценка на 1 января соответствующего года.
2) Информация на 1 января 2025 г. временно не публикуется в соответствии с частью 10 статьи 5 Федерального закона от 29 ноября 2007 г. No 282-ФЗ «Об официальном статистическом учете и системе государственной статистики в Российской Федерации».
1) Data are presented as follows: 1989 – according to the population census as of January 12; 2002 – according to the population census as of October 9; 2010 – according to the population census as of October 14, for the other years – estimates as of January 1 of the relevant year.
2) Information as of January 1, 2025 is temporarily not published in accordance with Part 10 of Article 5 of the Federal Law of November 29, 2007 No. 282-FZ “On Official Statistical Accounting and State Statistics System in the Russian Federation"..
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