Philadelphia is one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in the United States, located in the northeastern part of the country. The city has a population estimated at 1,558,980 inhabitants (2026 estimate). Founded in 1682 by William Penn, Philadelphia played a central role in American history as the meeting place of the Founding Fathers. It was here that the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were drafted and signed.
Today, Philadelphia is a major cultural, economic, and educational center. Its most famous landmarks include the Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The city has also produced many notable figures, including actress Grace Kelly, basketball legend Kobe Bryant, and actor and musician Will Smith.
Philadelphia in United States
75.2° W
Philadelphia Population Evolution
The population of Philadelphia in 2026 is estimated to 1,558,980 inhabitants. This estimate is taken from our extrapolation of available data and not an official estimate.
Population Summary
| Year | Population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1790 | 28,522 | |
| 1850 | 121,376 | +325.6% |
| 1910 | 1,549,008 | +1,176.2% |
| 1970 | 1,948,609 | +25.8% |
| 2024 | 1,573,916 | -19.2% |
Interactive Map of Philadelphia
What to see in Philadelphia
Independence Hall
Liberty Bell
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia City Hall
Comcast Center
First Bank of the United States
Elfreth's Alley
alleyFamous People Born in Philadelphia
Noam Chomsky
writerGrace Kelly
stage actorAmerican actress and Princess consort of Monaco
Will Smith
actorAmerican actor, film producer and rapper
Bradley Cooper
screenwriterAmerican actor
Kobe Bryant
basketball playerAmerican basketball player
Sister Cities of Philadelphia
Sister cities, also known as twin cities, are formal partnerships between cities in different countries to promote cultural and commercial ties.
This list is based on publicly available structured data and may differ slightly from official municipal publications.
Learn more about Philadelphia
Other facts about Philadelphia
Sources & References
- Wikidata
- United States Census Bureau (accessed on 16 March 2026)