The municipality of Orihuela has experienced a 1.9% population increase compared to 2023, reaching a total of 85,674 residents in 2024, according to the Department of Statistics at the Orihuela City Council.
Population growth has varied across the different areas of Orihuela. Orihuela Costa has seen the most significant increase, with a 5% rise compared to the previous year. Central Orihuela recorded a modest growth of 0.1%, while the rural districts, or pedanías, experienced an overall increase of 0.9%.
Spanish nationals continue to represent the majority of the population, with 53,512 residents, but international migration has become increasingly significant. Notable growth has been observed in the Ukrainian and Venezuelan populations, which have increased by 58% and 48%, respectively. In total, the Spanish population has risen by 1.1%, while the foreign population has grown by 3.3%, now making up 32% of the municipality’s total population. Residents of foreign nationalities in Orihuela represent a diverse mix of 121 countries.
While Spanish nationals remain the largest group, the most represented foreign nationalities are from the United Kingdom, Morocco, Ukraine, Russia, Colombia, and Algeria. However, the British population has declined by 7% compared to 2023, a decrease potentially linked to Brexit or a return to the UK.
In terms of absolute growth in resident numbers, the most significant increases have been seen in populations from Ukraine, Spain, Colombia, Belgium, and Morocco.
The population growth in Orihuela during 2024 has been concentrated in Orihuela Costa, where 1,333 new residents have brought the area’s total to 27,929. Growth in central Orihuela has been more modest, with an increase of 57 residents, bringing its population to 32,879.
In the rural districts, population trends have varied. Some districts have grown, while others have seen significant declines. La Murada experienced the largest growth, adding 43 new residents for a total of 3,327. Hurchillo followed with 41 new residents, reaching 1,195. San Bartolomé, Correntías Medias, and La Matanza also recorded smaller increases.
The most populous rural districts, with more than 1,000 residents, include La Murada, San Bartolomé, La Aparecida, Desamparados, Torremendo, Raiguero de Bonanza, Molins, Hurchillo, La Campaneta, Arneva, La Matanza, and Las Norias.
This population growth reflects a mix of local stability and the municipality’s evolving demographic diversity, driven by both local residents and international migration.
Some of the published statistics:
The top nationalities in Orihuela after Spaniards are:
United Kingdom – 9,681 residents (though this reflects a 7% decrease compared to 2023, possibly due to Brexit or repatriation).
Morocco – 2,974 residents.
Ukraine – 2,356 residents.
Russia – 2,205 residents.
Colombia – 1,525 residents.
Algeria – 1,013 residents.
Most Populated Rural Districts
The pedanías with over 1,000 residents are:
La Murada: 3,327 residents.
San Bartolomé: 2,418 residents.
La Aparecida: 2,233 residents.
Desamparados: 2,023 residents.
Torremendo: 1,833 residents.
Raiguero de Bonanza: 1,512 residents.
Molins: 1,408 residents.
Hurchillo: 1,195 residents.
La Campaneta: 1,179 residents.
Arneva: 1,146 residents.
La Matanza: 1,067 residents.
Las Norias: 1,056 residents.
