According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) ahead of Yom Yerushalayim, one-third of the residents of the capital are chareidi. The statistics were released this week ahead of Jerusalem Day, which is observed on 28 Iyar, motzei Shabbos and Sunday.

At the end of 2015 there were 870,000 residents of Yerushalayim, the largest city in the nation with 21% of the city’s residents being secular. At the end of 2014, Jews comprised 63% of the city’s population (534,000) and Arabs 37% (316,000).

The number shows a significant increase from a year earlier, with only 534,000 residents at the end of 2014.

Some of the numbers

· 32% of the city’s residents are chareidi

· 21% of the city’s residents are secular

· 17% of the city’s residents are religious

· 15% of the city’s residents are traditional

· 77% of the city’s residents have been living in Jerusalem for 20 years or more. This includes 68% Jews and 94% Arabs.

The city grew by some 20,000 residents in 2014, of which 19,800 from births and 3,700 from immigration. During that same time period, 3,700 residents left the city. most residents came to the capital from Bnei Brak, Tel Aviv and Beit Shemesh.

As for those leaving, most head for Beit Shemesh, Tel Aviv and Givat Ze’ev.

Birth Rate

The average Jerusalem woman has 3.91 children, which is higher than the national average of 3.08.

Household Makeup

The average Jerusalem Jewish household is comprised of 3.8 people, once again larger of the national average of 3.3. The average in Tel Aviv is 2.3, Haifa 2.5 and Rishon L’Tzion 3.0.

The average Jerusalem Arab household is 5.2, which is larger than the national average for Arab households of 4.6.

Earning Power of Jerusalemites

If one measures Israel’s eight largest cities, one will find that Jerusalemites earn the lowest monthly income, NIS 12,164 per person. Monthly expenses are recorded at NIS 11,528.

While the national average for percentage of the labor forces is 64.1%, in Jerusalem only 51.9% are working of which 88.4% work near their home.

Renting or a Homeowner?

57.9% of Jerusalem residents are home owners, referring to a private home or apartment. The cost of the average home in the capital is NIS 1.862 million.

30.9% are renting and the average monthly rent in the city is reportedly NIS 3,178.

Most Jerusalemites plan to remain where they are for the coming five years, 73%, which includes 76% of the Jewish residents and 94% of the Arab residents.

The segregation continues

79% believe people of different backgrounds can get along in the same neighborhood which includes 90% of the Jews and 62% of the Arabs. The national average in this category stands at 86%

Are you satisfied with your life?

89% of the adult population, which includes anyone over 20-years-old, are satisfied with their lives which includes 92% of the Jews and 82% of the Arabs. The national average in this category stands at 88%.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)