Jerusalem- Facts and Trends 2014

Population

Over the years, there has been a decline in the relative size of Jerusalem’s Jewish population, with a concomitant increase in the proportion of the Arab population. The proportion of the Jewish population fell from 74% in 1967 to 72% in 1980, to 68% in 2000, and to 63% in 2012. Simultaneously, the Arab population rose from 26% in 1967 to 28% in 1980, 32% in 2000, and 37% in 2012. As noted, the Arab population of Jerusalem numbered 300,200 residents, making this the largest Arab population in Israel. By way of comparison, other cities with relatively large Arab populations are: Nazareth (74,000), Umm al-Fahm (49,500), Shfaram (38,300) and Taibe (38,100).  The relative size of the Arab population of Jerusalem (37%) is high compared to the proportion of the Arab population in Israel (21%), Haifa (11%) and Tel Aviv (4%).

Education

Over the past five academic years (2009/10 – 2013/14), the number of students in Jerusalem’s education system increased by 13%, from 235,000 to 266,700. The number of students in the Hebrew JEA system (state and state-religious) grew by 7% (from 58,600 to 62,900), while the number in the ultra-orthodox sector grew by 6% (from 92,600 to 98,600). In the Arab sector official schools and recognized but unofficial schools, not including private, and the number of students rose by 34% (from 62,900 to 84,200).

Housing

Since 2009, there has been a steady increase in rental prices both in Jerusalem and in Israel. The rate of increase in 2009 for apartments of 3.5-4 rooms in Jerusalem was 21%, falling in subsequent years to between 1% and 6% per year. In 2013, the rental prices for apartments in Jerusalem rose by 4%, just lower than those for Israel (5%) and just higher than Tel Aviv (3%).  The rise in average rents for large apartments of 4.5-5 rooms was higher, reaching 7% in 2013. However, in Israel and in Tel Aviv these price increases were even higher at 11% and 10%, respectively.