Palembang's population was 1.66 million in 2020.

The 2020 Population Census recorded Palembang City's population at 1.67 million. Of this, 837,030 (50.16%) were male and 831,820 (49.84%) were female.

Spatially, Sukarami was recorded as the sub-district with the highest population in Palembang City, reaching 183,680. Conversely, Bukit Kecil sub-district had the lowest population, at only 38,590.

Seberang Ulu Satu sub-district had the highest population density in Palembang City, reaching 11,010 people per square kilometer (km²). Meanwhile, Gandus sub-district had the lowest population density, at only 1,075 people/km².

By age group, 1.13 million (67.92%) of Palembang City's population were of productive age (14-65 years). The remaining 535,290 (32.08%) were of non-productive age. This comprised 437,840 (26.24%) in the non-productive age group (0-14 years) and 97,450 (5.84%) in the post-productive age group (65 years and over).

Palembang City, the capital of South Sumatra Province, covers an area of 400.61 km² with a population density of 4,166 people/km². Administratively, Palembang City is divided into 18 sub-districts and has 107 urban villages.