Cartagena population tops 222,500 as foreign growth rises

The Costa Calida city of Cartagena has surpassed 222,500 inhabitants in 2026, reinforcing a strong demographic growth with 6,500 more residents than a decade ago. In particular, the city saw sustained growth in Rincon de San Gines and El Algar, with a particular spike in foreigners arriving to the city.

Cartagena, growing larger by the day: 222,500 neighbours strong

With the new figures, the city also boasts 354 more people than a year ago, representing a 0.16 per cent increase and reinforcing a positive trend that has been maintained for years. In the last decade, Cartagena has gained a total of 6,532 inhabitants, 3 per cent more than in 2016.

The data, which was published on Cartagena’s municipal website, shows that there is a slight female majority in the city, with 111,980 women in Cartagena compared to 110,579 men. This represents a widening gap between the two groups, as just last year there was hardly any difference between the two figures, and a decade ago in 2016, men even outnumbered women.

The foreign population continues to grow in Cartagena

The numbers also show a significant growth in the foreign population, with 28,818 people of other nationalities now residing in the municipality, representing 722 more foreign residents than a year ago. Compared to a decade ago in 2016, the increase exceeds 3,300 people, representing a growth of about 13 per cent. 

Notably, among foreign residents, men outnumber women with 15,097 male foreigners compared to 13,721 female foreigners, which corresponds to data gathered about migratory trends. Of the foreign nationalities, Moroccan people form the vast majority with more than 12,400 residents, though Cartagena boasts a strong diversity among its foreign population.

Following Morocco is the UK, with more than 2,300 inhabitants, and Colombia, with more than 2,100 inhabitants. Communities of people from Ukraine are also significant, with more than 1,000 residents, and in the last year the city has seen a particular increase in residents from Venezuela and Peru.

On the other hand, some nationalities have decreased in number in Cartagena, including Ecuadorian people.

Rincon de San Gines, El Algar and Pozo Estrecho experience largest spike in population

When it comes to specific areas of Cartagena that are growing in population, Rincon de San Gines, El Algar and Pozo Estrecho are leading the charge.

Rincon de San Gines added more than 3,100 inhabitants in the last decade, and once again stands out among the areas with the greatest increase. Also noteworthy are El Algar and Pozo Estrecho, which have increased their population in the last year and are consolidating an upward trend.

The Cartagena area of El Plan also continues to be among the areas with the highest number of residents, and has gained nearly a thousand inhabitants in the last decade.

Among areas with the highest population of foreigners are Campo Nubla, Los Puertos, and Lentiscar, which combined have more than 30 per cent of the total.