The City of Košice: History and Population Development

Introduction

Košice (Hungarian: Kassa) is the second largest city in Slovakia, the capital of the Košice Region, and the cultural and economic hub of eastern Slovakia. Its geographical position—on the banks of the Hornád River at the foot of the Kojšovská Hills—provided favorable conditions for trade, craftsmanship, and urban growth. Today, with around 220,000 inhabitants, it is a significant regional center that preserves its medieval past while presenting the face of a modern European city. The history and demographic changes of Košice reflect the diversity, turbulence, and cultural blending characteristic of Central Europe.

The History of the City

Early beginnings and medieval rise

Košice was first mentioned in written records around 1230. Even then it was a developing settlement in the Hornád Valley, inhabited by Hungarians, Germans, and Slavs. Its location on important trade routes ensured rapid development.

In 1347, under the reign of Charles Robert and Louis I of Hungary, Košice gained the status of a free royal town. This granted the city numerous privileges: its own judiciary, staple rights, and municipal self-government. The town became a flourishing center of trade, viticulture, and crafts. In the 14th–15th centuries, Košice emerged as one of the wealthiest and most significant cities of the Kingdom of Hungary and was a member of the Pentapolitana alliance of towns (Košice, Bardejov, Levoča, Prešov, Sabinov).

Early modern period: struggles and shifts

In the 16th–17th centuries, the city was deeply affected by religious and political struggles. The Reformation gained strong influence, with a large portion of the inhabitants becoming Lutheran. In the 17th century, however, the Habsburgs gradually restored Catholic dominance.

Košice repeatedly became a focal point of military conflicts. In 1604, it played a role during István Bocskai’s uprising, and later during the campaigns of Gabriel Bethlen and George I Rákóczi. In 1619, the execution of the Košice martyrs—three Catholic priests—became a symbol of the Counter-Reformation in Upper Hungary.

18th–19th centuries: urbanization and industrialization

Under Habsburg rule, Košice evolved into a regional administrative center. The 18th century brought gradual urbanization: new schools, churches, and public buildings were erected. In the 19th century, the arrival of the railway gave the city fresh momentum, making it an important transport hub.

During the Hungarian Revolution of 1848–49, Košice’s predominantly Hungarian population supported the national cause, but after its defeat Austrian military presence was reinforced. In the dualist era (1867–1918), Košice industrialized rapidly, its population grew, and its cultural life blossomed.

20th century: wars and shifting borders

After World War I, the Treaty of Trianon transferred Košice to Czechoslovakia in 1920. This brought dramatic change: the city’s Hungarian majority found itself in a minority position, while Slovak and Czech officials and soldiers arrived.

In 1938, the First Vienna Award returned Košice to Hungary, a status it retained until 1945. Following World War II, it once again became part of Czechoslovakia. The war was tragic for the city’s Jewish community, which had previously played an important role in trade and culture but was almost entirely annihilated in the Holocaust.

Post-1945, population transfers further altered the city’s demographics: part of the Hungarian population was deported or resettled, while Slovak settlers moved in. During the communist era, Košice grew into an industrial city with large factories and a strong working-class base.

Modern period

Since 1993, Košice has been the second largest city of independent Slovakia. In 2013 it was named European Capital of Culture, underscoring its cultural role. Today, Košice is both an industrial powerhouse and a cultural hub, where medieval landmarks such as St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral coexist with modern institutions.

Population Development

From the Middle Ages to the 19th century

The medieval population of Košice was a mix of Germans, Hungarians, and Slavs. In the 14th–15th centuries, a significant German burgher class dominated trade and craftsmanship. Hungarians held leading positions in administration, law, and the nobility. Slovak settlers from the surrounding countryside also contributed, creating a multilingual environment.

By the mid-19th century, Hungarians had become the majority, a shift reinforced by policies of Magyarization. At this time, Košice functioned as a Hungarian-speaking city with a lively cultural scene.

Transformations in the 20th century

After World War I and the establishment of Czechoslovak administration, the city’s ethnic structure began to change. The proportion of Hungarians decreased steadily, while Slovak numbers grew. Czech officials and soldiers further strengthened the Slavic presence.

The Holocaust brought devastating losses to Košice’s Jewish community, which had previously been integral to commerce and culture.

After 1945, part of the Hungarian population was deported to Hungary or resettled within Czechoslovakia. At the same time, Slovak settlers—often from rural backgrounds—moved in. These processes permanently reshaped the city’s ethnic composition.

Population today

In the 21st century, Košice has about 223,000 inhabitants (2024).

• Slovak majority: the overwhelming majority of residents are Slovaks.
• Hungarian minority: about 3–4%, with a Hungarian school and cultural associations.
• Roma community: also significant, particularly in poorer districts.
• Other minorities: smaller Ukrainian, Rusyn, and Czech groups are present.

Religiously, Košice is diverse: Roman Catholic, Greek Catholic, Lutheran, and Reformed communities coexist with smaller Protestant denominations.

During the second half of the 20th century, industrialization drove rapid population growth, but in recent decades the trend has stabilized, with slight declines due to youth migration abroad.

Review

Košice, with its more than eight centuries of history, is one of Central Europe’s most important cities. Over time, its political status, ethnic composition, and cultural identity have changed repeatedly. In the Middle Ages, it was among the most significant cities of the Hungarian Kingdom; in the modern era, it has become a Slovak-majority industrial and cultural center.

The evolution of its population illustrates the multiethnic character of the region: German burghers, Hungarian nobles, Slovak workers, and Jewish merchants all contributed to shaping the city’s identity. Today, Košice stands as a Slovak metropolis that still preserves the legacy of its multicultural past.