Leslie Massey
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is the country's smallest state in terms of area but the largest in population. The city has a dynamic population that has gone from stagnant to shrinking and then rapidly growing, with immigration from abroad playing a significant role in this growth. Vienna is densely populated, with around 4,000 people per square kilometre, and has a cosmopolitan population with nearly 40% having migrant backgrounds. In 2024, 34.6% of Vienna's residents above the voting age of 16 were not allowed to participate in federal, provincial or municipal elections as they did not hold Austrian citizenship. In the same year, the population of Vienna was estimated to be 1,867,582, with 1,295,341 Austrian nationals and 911,152 foreign nationals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population in 2011 | 1,714,227 |
| Population in 2017 | 1,867,582 |
| Population in 2025 | 2,292,000 (projected) |
| Population density in 2025 | 4,000 people per square km |
| Population with Austrian citizenship at the beginning of 2024 | 1,295,341 |
| Population of foreign origin at the beginning of 2024 | 911,152 |
| Percentage of population of foreign origin in 2024 | 45.4% |
| Percentage of population above the voting age of 16 with Austrian citizenship at the beginning of 2024 | 65.4% |
| Percentage of population above the voting age of 16 who are EU citizens at the beginning of 2024 | 15% |
| Percentage of population above the voting age of 16 who are third-country citizens at the beginning of 2024 | 19.6% |
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What You'll Learn
Population growth
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is the country's smallest state in terms of area but has the largest population. The population of Vienna has been dynamic, ranging from stagnant to shrinking and then rapidly growing. In 2011, the population of the city was 1,714,227, and in 2017, it was estimated to be 1,867,582. The population is projected to increase by 15.6% from 2023 to 2053, with the total population expected to reach 2,292,000 by 2053.
Vienna's population is densely packed, with around 4,000 people residing per square kilometer. The population is not evenly distributed across the city, with some districts being more densely populated than others. The city is known for its cosmopolitan nature, with nearly 40% of the population having migrant backgrounds, primarily from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. The variety of national backgrounds contributes to a diverse mix of surnames and languages in the city.
In terms of citizenship, Vienna's population includes Austrian nationals as well as foreign nationals. At the beginning of 2024, there were 1,295,341 Austrian nationals in Vienna, while 911,152 people were of foreign origin. The main countries of origin for foreign nationals were Serbia, Turkey, Germany, and Poland. The share of the foreign-origin population in Vienna was 45.4% in 2024, with five municipal districts having more than half of their population composed of individuals of foreign origin.
Vienna's population also varies in terms of voting rights. As of 2024, 65.4% of residents above the voting age of 16 were Austrian citizens with full voting rights in all elections. 15% were EU citizens, who are entitled to vote in municipal district elections, while 19.6% were third-country citizens without voting rights in any elections. The exclusion from voting rights disproportionately affects younger individuals, with 40.9% of Viennese between the ages of 16 and 24 not holding Austrian citizenship.
The population growth in Vienna has contributed to its vibrant and diverse culture, with a mix of historical and modern influences. The city is known for its rich history, beautiful buildings, and famous past residents. It has been voted one of the best cities in the world in terms of quality of life and is a popular tourist destination. Vienna also boasts a flourishing economy, ranking as the 5th richest region in Europe with a GDP of $52,306 per capita and a steady growth forecast.
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Population distribution
Vienna, the capital of Austria, has a population of around 1.7 million people. The population is not evenly distributed across the city's 23 districts, with some areas much more densely packed than others. The "Inner Stadt" district, which is home to most of the city's historical buildings and points of interest, is surrounded by the "Ringstrasse". The southern and eastern areas of the city are predominantly industrial, with newer buildings found in the south.
The population of Vienna is diverse, with nearly 40% of residents having migrant backgrounds. The main countries of origin for Viennese foreign nationals include Serbia, Turkey, Germany, and Poland. In 2024, 99,627 people originated from Serbia, 76,620 from Turkey, 71,473 from Germany, and 55,223 from Poland. The share of Vienna's foreign-origin population (persons with foreign citizenship or Austrian nationals born abroad) was 45.4% in 2024. In five municipal districts, more than half of the population was of foreign origin: Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus, Brigittenau, Favoriten, Margareten, and Meidling. The district of Hietzing has the lowest share of foreign-born residents, with 32.8%.
Vienna has a dynamic population development, ranging from stagnant to shrinking to rapidly growing. The city's population growth is driven almost exclusively by immigration, with net migration gains accounting for 97% of Austria's total population growth between 2011 and 2021. Vienna's reputation as a city of great culture, history, and beautiful buildings has made it a popular destination for immigrants and tourists alike.
In terms of age distribution, Vienna, like the rest of Austria, has an ageing population. The number of senior citizens aged 65 and above is increasing, with the Baby Boom Generation reaching retirement age. In contrast, the base of the population pyramid is comparatively narrow due to the post-Baby Boom reduction in birth rates. Approximately 14.4% of the population are preschool and compulsory school-age children, with about two-thirds (66.4%) of the population of working age.
When it comes to household composition, Vienna has a significant number of single-person households, with around two in five households consisting of just one person. Among households with multiple individuals, there are 2.46 million families, including married and unmarried couples with or without children, as well as single parents with their children living in joint households. The number of families with children totals 1.4 million, representing 57% of all families.
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Voter eligibility
Vienna, the capital of Austria, has a population of around 1.87 million people as of 2017. The city has a dynamic population—from stagnant to shrinking, and then rapidly growing. At the beginning of 2024, 34.6% of Vienna's residents above the voting age of 16 were not allowed to participate in federal, provincial, or municipal elections. This is because, in Austria, the right to vote is tied to Austrian citizenship.
- Austrian Citizens: Austrian citizens aged 16 and above who have their primary residence in Vienna are eligible to vote in all elections, including municipal, provincial, and federal elections, as well as elections to the European Parliament.
- Non-Austrian EU Citizens: Non-Austrian citizens from EU countries who are at least 16 years old and have their primary residence in Vienna are generally entitled to vote in district council elections and municipal elections (district representation elections). They are also eligible to vote in elections to the European Parliament, but they must choose whether to vote for Austrian members or representatives from their home countries.
- Third-Country Citizens: Individuals who are not Austrian citizens or EU citizens are considered third-country citizens. In Vienna, they are not entitled to vote in any elections, including municipal, provincial, or federal elections.
- Students: Austrian students who meet the age and residence requirements are eligible to vote in all relevant elections. Non-Austrian students from EU countries can vote in district council elections and, if eligible, in elections to the European Parliament.
- Austrian Citizens Abroad: Austrian citizens abroad whose main residence is located in another EU member state are entitled to vote in elections to the European Parliament. They can choose to vote for Austrian members or representatives from their host country.
- Voter Registration: To vote in municipal elections in Vienna, individuals must be registered in the local electoral register of their main municipality of residence. For European Parliament elections, all eligible voters, including Austrian citizens and non-Austrian EU citizens, must be entered in the European electoral register.
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Immigration
Vienna, the capital of Austria, has a population of around 1.87 million people as of 2017. The city has experienced dynamic population growth, transforming from stagnant to shrinking, and then rapidly growing. Immigration from abroad has played a significant role in this transformation, making Vienna a young metropolis.
Austria, officially known as the Republic of Austria, is a highly developed and industrialized country that attracts immigrants from all over the world. With its stunning scenery, high quality of life, and excellent work-life balance, it is no surprise that Vienna, in particular, is a desirable destination for those seeking to relocate. The city boasts a unique blend of culture, food, and history, offering a vibrant atmosphere with its elegant architecture, lively cafes, and bustling shopping streets.
Vienna's population comprises a significant number of foreign nationals and individuals born abroad. As of 2024, approximately 45.4% of Vienna's population was of foreign origin, with Serbia, Turkey, Germany, and Poland being the main countries of origin. This diversity is reflected in the city's municipal districts, with more than half of the population being of foreign origin in five districts: Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus, Brigittenau, Favoriten, Margareten, and Meidling.
The right to vote in Vienna is tied to Austrian citizenship. As a result, a considerable portion of the population, particularly young people, is excluded from participating in federal, provincial, or municipal elections. This dynamic has implications for political engagement and representation within the city.
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Quality of life
Vienna, the capital of Austria, has consistently been ranked as one of the top cities in the world for quality of life. In 2024, it was ranked second overall by Mercer's "Quality of Living Ranking", which assesses cities based on factors like the political and social environment, healthcare, education, public services, transportation, and the environment.
Vienna boasts excellent infrastructure, with a reliable and affordable public transport network, making car ownership unnecessary. The city is also known for its cultural offerings, including world-renowned museums, opera houses, and festivals, as well as its majestic historical architecture. Almost 50% of the city is devoted to green spaces, including the Prater and the Danube Island, providing a perfect balance between urbanity and nature.
The city has a dynamic population, with a significant proportion of foreign nationals or residents born abroad. As of 2024, 45.4% of Vienna's population was of foreign origin, with Serbia, Turkey, Germany, and Poland being the main countries of origin. However, Vienna's high quality of life comes at a cost, with some reporting high household and rental costs. The city's residents also face political participation restrictions, as voting rights are tied to Austrian citizenship, excluding a significant portion of the population from elections.
While some may find Vienna quiet and its residents unfriendly, others appreciate the city's charm and unique character. Vienna's quality of life is subjective, and one's experience may depend on individual preferences and circumstances. Overall, Vienna remains a global leader in terms of high standards of urban living and continues to be a sought-after destination for expatriates and tourists alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Vienna is Austria's largest city by population. In 2011, the population was 1,714,227, and in 2017, it was estimated to be 1,867,582.
Vienna is a densely populated city, with around 4,000 people residing per square kilometer.
According to a small-scale projection from 2023, Vienna's population is expected to increase by 15.6% from 2023 to 2053, reaching a total population of 2,292,000.
Vienna's population is quite diverse, with nearly 40% of residents having migrant backgrounds, mainly from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Turkey, Germany, and Poland. In 2024, 34.6% of residents above the voting age of 16 were not Austrian citizens.
