The island of La Gomera records 22,560 inhabitants according to the census from the INE updated to January 2025, remaining the second least populated in the archipelago, just ahead of El Hierro.
La Gomera totals 22,560 residents, according to the latest official census from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) corresponding to January 2025. This figure confirms the Colombian island as the second least populated in the Canary archipelago, only ahead of El Hierro, which has 11,993 inhabitants.
San Sebastián de La Gomera concentrates 40% of the island's population
The capital, San Sebastián de La Gomera, houses 9,501 inhabitants, representing nearly 40% of the island's total. This municipality is the main urban, administrative, and economic hub, and hosts the port that connects with Tenerife, as well as most public services and commercial activity.
The rest of the population is distributed among the other five municipalities: Valle Gran Rey, Alajeró, Hermigua, Agulo, and Vallehermoso. The island's rugged topography, with deep ravines and steep terrain, has shaped a pattern of dispersed settlement and small-sized nuclei.
Six municipalities and a traditional structure
La Gomera is divided into six municipalities, each with several population centres. The demographic distribution is uneven: while San Sebastián exceeds 9,500 inhabitants, other municipalities such as Agulo or Alajeró hover around 1,000. This organisation reflects the traditional structure of the island, linked to terrace agriculture and livestock farming.
The Garajonay National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of La Gomera's major environmental attractions and a driver for rural tourism. However, the island maintains a stable demographic profile, with no significant growth or sharp declines in recent years.
Living in La Gomera: tranquility and nature
For residents, La Gomera offers a peaceful environment with low population density and a strong connection to nature. The island has educational and healthcare centres, as well as regular maritime connections with Tenerife, although for specialised services, it is common to travel to the neighbouring island.
The cost of housing is more affordable than in the capital islands, attracting those seeking a lifestyle change away from urban hustle. However, job opportunities are limited, and the job market is concentrated in the service sector, tourism, and public administration.
In short, La Gomera remains a bastion of tranquility in the archipelago, with a population that values quality of life over urban density. INE data confirms that the island maintains its rural character and slow pace, far from the large crowds of Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
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