As of the most recent data in 2025, the average daily inmate population on Rikers Island is about 10,000 individuals, although the facility can hold up to 15,000 detainees at maximum capacity

. However, other sources indicate fluctuations and efforts to reduce the population, with figures around 5,500 to 6,400 inmates reported in 2022 and 2024 due to ongoing reforms and population management

. The population mainly consists of pretrial detainees (around 84%) and those serving short sentences

. The city aims to reduce the population further, targeting no more than 3,300 inmates by the planned closure of Rikers Island jails by 2027