Austria's population is growing almost exclusively through immigration. In 2020, the number of people immigrating to Austria was considerably higher than those emigrating from the country. In fact, 97% of Austria's total population growth between 1 January 2011 and 1 January 2021 can be attributed to net migration gains. As of 2024, Austria's population is 9,117,222, with a population density of 111 people per square kilometre. The median age in Austria is 43.4 years, and the total fertility rate is 1.48 children born per woman.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Population | 9,117,222 (2024) |
Population Density | 111 people per km2 |
Total Land Area | 82,409 km2 |
Urban Population | 5,300,327 (58.1%) |
Median Age | 43.4 years |
Foreign Citizens | 1,801,184 (19.6%) |
Average No. of People with Migration Background | 2.4 million (26.7%) |
Total Fertility Rate | 1.48 children born/woman (2018) |
Mother's Mean Age at First Birth | 29 years (2014) |
Life Expectancy | 81.7 years |
What You'll Learn
Immigration and emigration
Austria has a long history of immigration and emigration, with the country's population composition changing significantly over the past four decades due to strong immigration from other parts of Europe. In 2023, an average of 2.4 million people with a migration background lived in Austria, making up 26.7% of the total population. The country's population as of January 1, 2024, was 9,159,993, including 1,801,184 foreign citizens, or 19.6% of the total population.
Austria's population comprises native German speakers (88.6% as per the 2001 census) and speakers of several minority languages (11.4%). The non-German speakers can be divided into two groups: traditional minorities related to territories that were once part of the Habsburg monarchy, and new minorities resulting from recent immigration.
The Austrian Statistical Bureau reported that, in mid-2006, 814,800 foreigners legally resided in Austria, representing 9.8% of the total population—one of the highest rates in Europe. Of these foreign residents, 305,100 were from the former Yugoslavia, and 110,800 were from Turkey.
From 1985 to the end of 2003, 330,000 people were naturalized, accounting for about 4% of the 7.4 million Austrian citizens. Of these new citizens, 110,000 were from the former Yugoslavia, and 90,000 were from Turkey. Considering pre-1985 naturalizations, in 2005, at least 18% of the population (over 30% in Vienna) was either foreign or of foreign origin.
As of 2011, official estimates indicate that 81% of residents (6.75 million) had no migration background, and over 19% (1.6 million) had at least one parent of immigrant background. There are more than 415,000 descendants of foreign-born immigrants in Austria, the majority of whom have been naturalized.
According to Eurostat, there were 1.27 million foreign-born residents in Austria in 2010, or 15.2% of the total population. Of these, 764,000 (9.1%) were born outside the EU, and 512,000 (6.1%) were born in another EU member state.
In 2018, the percentage of foreign-born people was around 19% of the total population, the second-highest foreign-born proportion among all EU countries, after Luxembourg.
Austria's immigration policies have been characterized by ambivalence, with measures that both welcome and restrict immigration. Traditional labor migration and family reunification programs have been curtailed due to public discontent over high immigration levels in the early 1990s. However, new integration measures have been introduced, and the country's accession to the European Union (EU) has resulted in more open borders.
Third-country nationals who plan to stay in Austria for longer than six months require a residence permit. Short-term stays of up to six months require a visa, while stays of up to 90 days within 180 days do not require a visa for some third-country nationals, depending on their citizenship.
The Red-White-Red Card is a residence permit issued for 24 months, allowing fixed-term settlement and employment by the specified employer. It is available to qualified workers and citizens of third countries seeking to live and work in Austria. The card is also available to family members of cardholders, who can apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus.
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Population density
Austria has a population density of 111 people per square kilometre or 287 people per square mile. This amounts to a total population of 9,117,222 people spread across 82,409 square kilometres of land.
Austria is a federal state made up of nine provinces, each with its own capital. The country is bordered by Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. It has a typical central European transitional climate, with warm summers, cold winters, and adequate precipitation.
Austria's population is a mix of native Austrians and immigrants from other parts of Europe. As of 2024, there were 1,801,184 foreign citizens, making up 19.6% of the total population. The foreign-born population has been steadily increasing, with 32% of newborns in 2023 having foreign-born mothers. The most common groups of foreign residents as of 2023 were from Bosnia and Herzegovina, followed by Croatia, Slovenia, and Hungary.
The urban population in Austria accounts for 58.1% to 58.3% of the total population, with an annual rate of change of 0.59% from 2015 to 2020. The median age in the country is 43.4 years, and the total fertility rate is estimated at 1.48 children per woman.
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Urbanisation
Austria's urban population has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2018, 58.3% of the population was urban, and this number rose to 59.26% in 2022. As of 2024, 58.1% of the population, or 5,300,327 people, live in urban areas. This increase in urbanisation is due to several factors, including the strong immigration that Austria has experienced in recent decades, primarily from other European countries. In 2023, 26.7% of the population had a migration background, and in 2023, 32% of newborns had mothers with foreign nationality, and 34.7% had foreign-born mothers.
Austria's urban centres are defined by their high population density, with the country's population density as a whole being 111 people per square kilometre in 2024. The largest cities in Austria include Vienna, Graz, and Linz. Vienna, the capital, had a population of 1.9 million in 2020, with 2.6 million in the larger metropolitan area. Graz, the second largest city, has a population of around 330,000, and Linz, the third largest, has approximately 200,000 inhabitants.
The Austrian government has implemented various measures to manage the increasing urban population. These include investing in infrastructure and transportation to accommodate the growing number of residents and improve connectivity between urban centres. The country has also focused on sustainable urban development, incorporating green spaces and promoting environmental initiatives.
The distribution of the population across Austria is relatively even, with the majority of the population living in urban centres or their surrounding areas. The country's nine provinces each have their own capital, and the population is fairly evenly distributed among them, with no single province dominating in terms of population size.
The cultural diversity of Austria's urban centres is notable, with a significant proportion of the urban population having a migration background. As of 2011, more than 19% of residents, or 1.6 million people, had at least one parent who was an immigrant. The most common foreign residents in Austria as of 2023 were from Bosnia and Herzegovina, with other significant groups including Croatia, Slovenia, and Hungary.
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Fertility rate
Austria's fertility rate has been fluctuating over the years, but it has generally remained low. The fertility rate of a country is the average number of children that women from that country will have throughout their reproductive years. In 1860, Austria's fertility rate was just over five children per woman, and it then declined gradually until the end of the nineteenth century. Despite fluctuations, the rate has been below two births per woman since 1935, with the exception of a slight increase during the Second World War. From 1950 until the late 1970s, Austria's fertility rate rose during the global baby boom, but since 1980, the number has remained between 1.4 and 1.7. The current fertility rate for Austria in 2024 is 1.577 births per woman, a 0.38% increase from 2023.
Austria's population is around 9.1 million as of 2024, with a median age of 43.4 years. The population density is 111 people per square kilometre, and 58.1% of the population lives in urban areas. The country has a relatively high proportion of foreign-born residents, with 19.6% of the total population being foreign citizens as of 2024. Additionally, 26.7% of the population had a migration background in 2023, indicating that they or their parents were born abroad.
The low fertility rate in Austria is a concern for the country's long-term population growth and sustainability. A fertility rate of 2.1 is considered the replacement level, which means the population is stable and not declining. Austria's fertility rate has been below this level for an extended period, which can lead to an aging population and a decrease in the overall population size over time. This can have social and economic implications, including a strain on social security systems, a shortage of workers, and a decrease in economic growth.
To address the low fertility rate, Austria has implemented various policies and initiatives. The country offers generous parental leave policies, including paid maternity and paternity leave, to support families in balancing work and family life. Additionally, the government provides financial incentives such as child benefits and tax deductions to help reduce the financial burden of raising children. Austria also has a well-established childcare system, with a focus on early childhood education and care, to support parents in returning to work after having children.
While Austria's fertility rate remains low, the slight increase in recent years indicates that these policies may be having a positive impact. However, it is important to continuously evaluate and adjust policies to ensure they are effective and meeting the needs of families. Additionally, it is crucial to address other factors that can influence fertility rates, such as cultural norms, education, and access to reproductive health services. By understanding the complex factors contributing to low fertility rates, Austria can develop comprehensive and effective strategies to support families and promote population growth.
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Population growth rate
Austria's population growth rate has been consistently positive over the last few years, with a 0.2% increase from 2022 to 2023, and a 0.16% increase from 2021 to 2022. The population is projected to continue to increase, with a forecast of a 0.1 million (+1.1%) increase from 2024 to 2029. This would bring the total population to 9.25 million by 2029, a new peak.
Austria's population growth rate can be attributed to a combination of factors, including fertility rates, life expectancy, and migration. The total fertility rate in Austria, or the number of children born per woman, is 1.48 children per woman as of 2018. The country has a relatively high life expectancy at birth, with 81.7 years for the total population, 84.5 years for females, and 79.1 years for males.
Migration also plays a significant role in Austria's population growth. In 2023, an average of 2.4 million people with a migration background lived in Austria, representing 26.7% of the total population. This includes foreign citizens, who made up 19.6% of the population in 2024. The number of migrants in Austria has been steadily increasing, with an average annual net migration rate of 26 people per 1000 residents.
The population growth rate has implications for various aspects of Austrian society and the economy. For example, it affects the age structure and median age of the population, which was 43.4 years as of 2024. It also impacts urbanisation rates, with 58.1% of the population living in urban areas in 2024. Additionally, the growth rate influences the demand for resources, infrastructure, and services such as education and healthcare.
Overall, Austria's population growth rate is relatively stable and positive, contributing to gradual increases in the total population. This growth has far-reaching effects on the country's demographics, society, and economy.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, Austria's population is around 9,117,222.
The population density of Austria is 111 people per square kilometre (287 people per square mile).
The median age in Austria is 43.4 years.