Bnei Brak, the city of Torah and Chassidus, has, according to figures from the Bureau of Population Statistics from the Interior Ministry, a population of 193,900, may they increase, compared to 190,000 at the beginning of 5776; 186,103 during 5775, and 183,916 in 5774. The above figure represents the count at the end of Tishrei 5777.
The breakdown according to age is as follows: from 0-5 years, 35,227; from 6-12 32,448; from 13-17 19,275; from 18-21 14,346; from 22-40 47,189; from 41-60 25,336 and above 60 — 20.085. The average Bnei Brak family has 4.2 members which is the highest figure of all the large and medium sized cities in the country.
Avraham Tennenbaum, city spokesman, stated that with respect to the figures from the Interior Ministry, the population of Bnei Brak is on a constant increase despite the lack of space to expand. Bnei Brak was originally planned, 92 years ago, for 10,000 residents!
According to a statement by Mayor Rabbi Chanoch Zeibart, Bnei Brak is planning to build 1,600 housing units in the north of the city in conjunction with the Israel Lands Authority, in addition to building plans for 2,050 apartments.
Various reports show that Bnei Brak is the tenth largest of Israeli cities, and finds itself before Ramat Gan, Bat Yam, Rechovot and Ashkelon. Of the 14 largest cities, it is the youngest. The rate of population increase stems from its high birthrate and influx of people from other cities as well as from the purchase of many apartments by newly married couples in older neighborhoods such as Shikun Gimmel, Shikun Hei and Pardes Katz.
