Exploring Austria's Population: Current Trends And Insights

Austria's population has been steadily increasing over the years, with projections showing a continuous rise from 2024 to 2029. As of January 2024, the population stood at 9,148,750, while other sources cite a figure of 8,977,139 for the whole of 2024. The population is expected to reach 9.25 million by 2029, with some projections even suggesting a figure of 9.94 million by 2080. The capital, Vienna, is the most populous city, with 1.92 million residents as of 2021, accounting for a fifth of Austria's population.

Population growth

Austria's population has been steadily increasing over the past few years. As of January 1st, 2024, the population stood at 9,148,750, with an average population density of 109.1 inhabitants per square kilometre. This is a notable increase from 2023, when the population was 8,958,960, and 2022, when it was 8,939,617. The population growth rate is projected to continue, with an estimated total population of 9.25 million by 2029, which would be a new peak for the country.

Austria's population growth can be attributed to two main factors: immigration and birth rate. The number of births and deaths in the country is usually more balanced, with a total fertility rate of 1.5 children per woman in 2021. However, the country has experienced a net migration gain in recent years, with more people migrating to Austria than emigrating from it. Between January 1st, 2011, and January 1st, 2021, 97% of Austria's total population growth could be attributed to net migration gains.

The population of Austria has historically fluctuated. Around 1900, the population within its present-day borders was close to 6 million. This number grew to 7 million in the late 1950s and surpassed 8 million in 2000. The population pyramid in Austria also reflects the impact of historical events, such as World War I and World War II, on the country's demographics. For example, the number of children born around the time of the Anschluss to the Third Reich in 1938 is reflected in the current older population.

Looking at the distribution of the population, the northern and eastern portions of the country are more densely populated, with nearly two-thirds of the populace living in urban areas. The federal capital, Vienna, is the municipality with the largest population, with 1.92 million residents as of 2021. This means that about a fifth of Austria's population lives in Vienna.

In summary, Austria's population is growing, and this growth is largely driven by immigration. The country's population pyramid and distribution reflect the impact of historical events and the changing demographics over time.

Population distribution

Austria's population distribution is uneven, with the northern and eastern portions of the country being more densely populated. As of 2021, nearly two-thirds of the populace, or 59% of the total population, live in urban areas.

The municipality with the largest population is Vienna, the federal capital, with 1.92 million residents at the beginning of 2021. This means that a fifth of Austria's population lives in Vienna. The next most populous cities are Graz (291,000 residents), Linz (207,000 residents), Salzburg (155,000 residents), Innsbruck (131,000 residents), and Klagenfurt (102,000 residents).

On the other hand, there are also very small municipalities in Austria. Gramais in Tyrol is the smallest municipality, with only 41 citizens at the start of 2021. Five other municipalities had fewer than 100 inhabitants: Namlos (Tyrol), Tschanigraben (Burgenland), Kaisers (Tyrol), Hinterhornbach (Tyrol), and Spiss (Tyrol).

The Austrian population is growing almost exclusively through immigration. Every year, there are more people migrating to Austria than leaving. In contrast, the numbers of births and deaths are usually more balanced. Between 2011 and 2021, 97% of Austria's total population growth could be attributed to net migration gains.

Life expectancy

When broken down by gender, women in Austria have a higher life expectancy than men. In 2021, the average life expectancy for women was 84.85 years, while for men it was 79.42 years.

Austria's population is expected to continue growing, with projections showing a forecast increase of 0.1 million people (+1.1%) between 2024 and 2029. This will be the tenth consecutive year of population growth, and by 2029, the population is estimated to reach 9.25 million people.

The population of Austria has been increasing over the past decades, with the 7 million mark reached in the late 1950s, and the 8 million mark surpassed in 2000. At the beginning of 2021, there were 8.93 million inhabitants in Austria, with the majority living in urban areas. Vienna, the federal capital, is the most populous municipality, with 1.92 million residents, accounting for a fifth of the country's population.

The Austrian population is ageing, with the number and percentage of people aged 65 and above increasing. This is due to the post-World War II Baby Boom Generation reaching retirement age, and the subsequent reduction in birth rates. The base of the population pyramid is comparatively narrow, indicating a smaller proportion of young people. The potential workforce is remaining relatively stable, but it is also ageing.

Foreign population

Austria's population is growing almost exclusively through immigration. In 2020, the number of births was even lower than the number of deaths, and the population would be falling were it not for immigration. In fact, 97% of Austria's total population growth between 1st January 2011 and 1st January 2021 can be attributed to net migration gains.

According to a 2022 Migration & Integration report, more than a quarter of Austria's population has a "migration background", which means that their parents were both born abroad, regardless of their own nationality or place of birth. This is an increase from 2015, when the figure was 21.4%. The number of people with foreign nationalities is slightly lower at 17.7%.

The largest group of immigrants in Austria are Germans, with 217,000-225,700 people. This is followed by 118,000-147,500 Romanians, 121,643-122,000 Serbs, and 117,944-119,700 Turks. Citizens from Croatia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Syria, Ukraine, and Poland are also among the top ten groups.

The fastest-growing foreign community in Austria in 2022 was the Ukrainian population, which multiplied from about 13,000 to 53,000 as of the beginning of April due to the influx of refugees from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In 2021, 29% of foreigners in Austria had university-level education, and 25.1% had only completed primary school.

Population projections

Austria's population has been on a general upward trajectory since the early 20th century, when it stood at approximately 6 million. By the late 1950s, the population had reached 7 million, and by the year 2000, it had surpassed the 8 million mark. As of 2021, Austria's population was estimated to be around 8.9 million, with the capital, Vienna, accounting for about a fifth of the total population.

Projections indicate that Austria's population will continue to grow, albeit at a relatively slow pace. By 2029, the population is expected to reach 9.25 million, representing a 1.1% increase over a five-year period. Looking further ahead to 2080, the population is projected to reach 9.94 million. This gradual increase is largely attributed to net migration gains, as the number of people migrating to Austria exceeds those emigrating. Between 2011 and 2021, 97% of the country's total population growth was due to net migration.

The population distribution in Austria is uneven, with the northern and eastern portions of the country being more densely populated. Additionally, almost two-thirds of the populace resides in urban areas, with Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Klagenfurt being the most populous cities. On the other hand, there are also very small municipalities, such as Gramais in Tyrol, which had only 41 citizens at the beginning of 2021.

In terms of demographics, Austria's population is ageing. The number of senior citizens aged 65 and above is increasing, particularly with the Baby Boom Generation reaching retirement age. This has implications for the potential workforce, which remains relatively stable, and the population of working age is also ageing. The Austrian population is also characterised by a higher proportion of women compared to men, especially in the older age groups, due to women's longer life expectancy.

Frequently asked questions