Nakuru County has a population of 2,162,202, according to the 2019 Census data. 

Nakuru Town is a migratory urban center predominantly occupied by the Kikuyu tribe from Central Kenya, although it has a high population of native Kalenjin and Maasai tribes from adjacent areas.

Similarly, a high population of Luos, Luhyas, and Kisiis have settled on the outskirts of Nakuru City in areas like Kaptembwa, Langa Langa, Manyani, and Kivumbini.

Nakuru City also boasts a large upscale urban population of mixed tribes and races living in areas such as Section 58, Naka Estate, Kiamunyi, London, and Milimani.

Other more affordable residential areas, such as Race Course, Teachers, KITI, Mawanga, Lanet, Maili Sita, Pipeline, and Barnabus, host immigrants from Nakuru and other parts of Kenya working in the city.

Only 48.4% of the population is urban, while 51.6% is rural, mostly comprised of Kikuyu and Kalenjin tribes.

About 94% of Nakuru residents are Christians, while 1.2% are Muslim, 3.2% have no religion (atheist), and 0.2% are traditional. 

Lake Nakuru National Park - The lake hosts the Nakuru National Park, which is the main tourist attraction in the city. 

In Nakuru National Park, you can watch big game animals such as Lions, Buffalo, Zebra, Antelopes, Leopards, Baboons, various monkey species, and cheetahs. 

Lake Nakuru also hosts one of the largest flamingo flocks in the world that can be seen from many kilometers away.

Other tourist attractions in Nakuru include: 

• Hells Gate National Park 
• Hyrax Museum
• Lake Naivasha
• Menengai Crater
• Lake Bogoria
• Lord Egerton Castle
• Aberdare National Park
• Lake Bogoria
• Longonot 

Kunste Hotel - One of the oldest and most known Hotels in Nakuru. Kunste Hotel is located at Old Nairobi Rd (Nakuru - Nairobi Highway) opposite Section 58 at the junction to Bahati off Nakuru - Nairobi Highway.

Emboita Hotel Nakuru - located at Maragoli Ave, Nakuru, is one of the most accessible hotels within the CBD. Many Tourist attractions are located within 10 minutes.

Kivu Retreat - Located a walking distance from the Lake Nakuru National Park gate.

Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa Nakuru - Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa is located in the Milimani area, an upscale neighborhood in Nakuru. Located in at almost the highest point in Nakuru, it gives a clear view of Lake Nakuru, Hyrax Pre-historic Site, Hell’s Gate National Park, and Mount Longonot. The area is also accessible by car, motorcycle, or foot from Nakuru CBD.

Nakuru Boys High School (Formerly Nakuru High School) - located less than 5 kilometers from Nakuru town, opposite Kunste Hotel, at the foothills of Menengai hills. 

Nakuru Girls High School - the school was hived off from Nakuru High School, which used to host both male and female students. 

Jomo Kenyatta High School - Located in the Bahati sub-county, 10 kilometers from Nakuru town.

Njoro Boys - located in Njoro sub-county, 50 kilometers from Nakuru CBD. A good-performing school that was previously known for notorious student strikes. 

Njoro Girls - Njoro Boys' sibling high school with a good performance and similar history.

Shiners High School - a popular private high school known for its vibrant colors and beautiful buildings in Lanet, off the Nakuru-Nairobi highway. 

Bahati Girls - Girls' only bonding school in Nakuru that is also one of the best-performing schools in the county and in the country with stellar discipline and good reputation.

Nakuru has turned into a college town with many national and local institutions of higher learning scrambling to establish campuses within the city. The following is the list of major Universities in Nakuru.

Egerton University - One of the top public universities located in Nakuru. The main campus is located 50 km from Nakuru CBD at Egerton, Njoro, off the Nakuru-Mau Narok Highway.

Kabarak University - a popular private university associated with the late President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi. The main campus is located at Kabarak, off the Nakuru - Eldama Ravine Road highway. However, the Nakuru town campus is a major landmark while entering the city at Gido Plaza.

Mount Kenya University - although the main campus is located in Thika, Kiambu, Mount Kenya University has a major presence in Nakuru. It is a popular university for self-sponsored students and graduates pursuing postgraduate courses. 

Laikipia University Nakuru Campus - although Laikipia University is located in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, it has a major presence in Nakuru County. The school has a large campus 20 kilometers from Nakuru Town.

Kenyatta University Nakuru Town Campus - located a few meters from Egerton University Nakuru campus, Kenyatta University attempts to establish itself as a dominant player.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology - JKUAT is one of the oldest universities with a Nakuru town campus. Its campus is located adjacent to the Presbyterian University Nakuru Campus. JKUAT's main campus is located off Thika Road at Juja, Kiambu County.