More Israelis left the country over the past year than immigrated, according to data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics ahead of Rosh Hashanah. The figures indicate that despite overall population growth, Israel continues to experience a negative migration balance.
During the past year, 79,000 Israelis emigrated, while 25,000 immigrants arrived. An additional 5,000 people entered through family reunification, and 21,000 Israelis returned after time abroad. The figures show that departures significantly outpaced arrivals, continuing a trend that has raised concern among policymakers and demographers.
Israel’s population now stands at 10.148 million, having passed the 10 million mark last year. Of that total, 7.707 million are Jews and others, making up 78.6% of the population, and 2.104 million are Arabs, accounting for 21.4%t. Another 260,900 residents are foreign nationals.
In the past year, 181,614 babies were born, and 51,888 people died. From October 7, 2023 to the end of that year, 1,267 civilians and soldiers were killed in the war, representing about 2.5% of all deaths. Cancer remained the leading cause of death at 23.5%, followed by heart disease at 12.2%.
Among Jewish Israelis over the age of 20, secular identity remains most common. Some 42.7% of Jews describe themselves as secular, slightly down from 43.5% the previous year. The share of those identifying as traditional but not very religious increased to 21.5% from 18.9%. Those identifying as traditional and religious declined to 12% from 13%. National-Religious and haredim (ultra-Orthodox) made up 12% and 11.4%, respectively.
The average gross household monthly salary reached NIS 22,013, while the average net salary was NIS 18,237. The national employment rate stayed above 60% but saw a modest decline from last year. Employment among men dropped slightly to 63.9% from 64.5%, and among women to 57.9% from 58.3%. The employment rate among Arab citizens rose marginally to 48% from 47.9%. The average Israeli worked 34.8 hours per week.
Housing data showed that 62.7% of households live in apartments they own, with 34.3% of those paying off mortgages. Average monthly household spending was NIS 14,526. Housing accounted for 24.8% of that amount, while transportation and communications made up 18.6%, and food accounted for 18%.
In health indicators, 20.5% of adults aged 21 and over reported smoking regularly or occasionally. About 54.4% of adults were overweight, obese, or severely obese, while only 33.7% met national exercise recommendations.
Road safety worsens compared to last year
Traffic safety figures worsened. A total of 439 people died in road accidents during the past year, an increase of 21.6% compared to 2023. Another 2,808 were seriously injured, up 5.2%. Nearly half of all adults aged 20 and older, 46.3%, reported experiencing road rage or road-related violence at least once during the year.
Despite economic and social challenges, Israelis reported a high level of satisfaction with their lives. According to the CBS, 91.1% said they were satisfied with their overall quality of life, and 66.1% were satisfied with their financial situation.
However, financial stress remains a concern. Some 27.4%, or 1.7 million people, said they struggle to cover household expenses. Some 23.3% reported avoiding needed dental care due to financial difficulties. Additionally, 25.8% said they feel stressed always or often, and 21.6% said they feel lonely at least sometimes. Nearly one quarter, 22.1%, reported having experienced discrimination in the past year.
As Israel marks the start of a new year, the data reveal both growth and strain. While the population continues to increase, mostly through natural growth, the continuing trend of negative migration may signal broader questions about economic opportunity, cost of living, and long-term confidence in the country’s direction.