Lyla Lindsey
Austria's population is currently decreasing due to a variety of factors, including a low fertility rate, an aging population, and a decline in the native Austrian birth rate since World War I. The total fertility rate, or the number of children born per woman, is an important factor in population growth. Austria's low fertility rate of 1.41 is below the stable population rate of 2.1, leading to an aging population and a decrease in overall population size. While immigration has partially compensated for the post-Baby Boom reduction in birth rates, it has not been enough to prevent a population decline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 9,113,574 (mid-2025) |
| Population rank | 99th in the world |
| Population density | 111 per Km² (286 per square mile) |
| Urban population | 58.57% (5,337,973 people in 2025) |
| Median age | 43.6 years |
| Fertility rate | 1.41 (2024) |
| Population growth | 86,100 (2022) |
| Net migration | +40,064 (2020) |
| Foreign-born population | 19% (2018) |
| Foreign citizens | 17.1% (2021) |
| Native Austrian population | Stagnant since World War I, declining since the 1970s |
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What You'll Learn
Low fertility rates
Austria's population is decreasing due to a variety of factors, one of the most significant being low fertility rates. The total fertility rate refers to the number of children born per woman, and it has been below the replacement level in Austria for several years. A country needs a fertility rate of 2.1 or above for its population to be stable and replace itself. However, Austria's fertility rate has been below this level, resulting in a decreasing population.
Historical events have had a significant impact on Austria's fertility rate. The deficit of births during World War I and the post-World War II era contributed to a decrease in the number of people in the higher age groups, creating a "notch" in the population pyramid. While the Baby Boom Generation in the 1950s and 1960s increased the population, it was only partially compensated by immigration. As this generation ages and reaches retirement, the population pyramid is becoming narrower at the base, with fewer children under 15 years of age.
Austria's low fertility rate is also influenced by societal and economic factors. Since World War II, the country has experienced economic growth and prosperity, leading to improved living standards and increased life expectancy. However, this has also contributed to a decline in birth rates as people choose to have fewer children or delay childbearing due to various factors such as career pursuits, higher costs of living, and changing societal norms. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic further reduced birth rates, with the number of births dropping below the number of deaths in 2020 for the first time since 2012 and 2013.
The low fertility rate in Austria is not an isolated issue, as it is a trend observed in other industrialized countries as well. However, it has significant implications for the country's future. With a smaller cohort of young people entering the workforce, there may be challenges in supporting the growing number of elderly individuals. Additionally, a shrinking youth population can impact economic growth, social dynamics, and the overall vitality of the nation.
To address the low fertility rate and its potential consequences, Austria may need to implement policies that support families and encourage childbearing. This could include providing financial incentives, improving work-life balance, and offering accessible childcare options. Additionally, continuing to attract immigrants can help offset the declining birth rate and contribute to population growth, ensuring that Austria's population remains stable and vibrant in the years to come.
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Aging population
Austria's population is aging, with the number and percentage of the population aged 65 and over increasing. This is due to a post-Baby Boom reduction in birth rates, which has only been partially compensated for by immigration. The base of the population pyramid is comparatively narrow, with fewer children under 15 years of age than older residents.
The aging of Austria's population can be traced back to historical events, including World War I, which caused a deficit of births, and the Anschluss to the Third Reich in 1938, which led to a rapid increase in births. The birth rate dropped again after World War II and in the early post-war era, creating a "notch" in the population pyramid for those who are now in their 70s. The largest cohorts were born in the 1950s and 1960s, during the Baby Boom Generation, which was also boosted by immigration.
However, since then, birth rates have declined, with the total fertility rate (the number of children born per woman) in Austria currently at 1.41. This is below the replacement rate of 2.1, which means that the population is shrinking. In 2020, the number of births was lower than the number of deaths, and the population only grew due to net migration gains.
The aging of the population has implications for the country's economic performance, as younger generations will have to support a growing number of older people. However, the potential workforce is remaining relatively stable, and the slow growth of the population may make Austria attractive to future immigrants.
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Immigration
Austria has a long history of international migration, mobility, and ethno-cultural diversity. The country's capital, Vienna, is home to about 180 nationalities, with nearly half of its residents (44.4%) being of foreign origin. Migration is a key factor in the country's demographic makeup, and without it, Austria's population would decrease significantly in the coming years.
Austria has witnessed an increase in asylum applications in recent years, with humanitarian migration being among the most significant types of migration. The country's immigration policies have been described as ambivalent, with some policies being more restrictive, while others are more liberal. This ambivalence is reflected in the country's recent immigration trends and legislation. Austria has experienced various waves of immigration, emigration, and transit migration over the last two centuries.
The fall of the Iron Curtain, the wars in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Austria's accession to the EU in 1995, and the subsequent enlargements of the EU have all contributed to the significant growth of Vienna. The immigration of mainly young persons is clearly reflected in the composition of Vienna's population. In 2023, Austria saw a notable increase in its foreign population, with one in four people having a migration background. The number of residents with a migration background reached 2.45 million, accounting for over 27% of the total population in Austria.
Austria's immigration policies have been shaped by historical, political, and social factors, resulting in a conflicting approach that both welcomes and restricts immigration. While the country has implemented integration measures and opened its borders following its accession to the European Union, recent political shifts have raised concerns about the impact of immigration, with far-right parties gaining traction by advocating for stricter immigration laws. Border closures and lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic have further impacted intra-EU labor mobility and asylum policies.
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Post-World War II economic growth
Austria's population is currently decreasing, with native Austrians experiencing stagnant population growth since World War I and an absolute decline since the 1970s. This can be attributed to various factors, including the country's history, economic situation, and demographic changes.
Post-World War II, Austria underwent a significant economic expansion, benefiting from the Marshall Plan and experiencing a broad period of economic growth and full employment. This period, known as the postwar economic boom or the Golden Age of Capitalism, saw many countries devastated by the war, including Austria, achieve remarkable economic growth.
Austria's heavy industries quickly recovered, with output increasing from 74.7% of pre-war levels in 1948 to 150.7% in 1951. The country received substantial aid through the Marshall Plan, which addressed issues of food insecurity and popular unrest. The second stage of the Marshall Plan, beginning in 1950, focused on enhancing the productivity of the Austrian economy, with American lawmakers targeting improvements in factory-level productivity, labour-management relations, free trade unions, and the adoption of modern business practices.
However, the American planners' deliberate neglect of certain industries, such as consumer goods, construction, and small businesses, led to rising unemployment rates among specific sectors of the workforce. Additionally, the Potsdam Agreement allowed the Soviet Union to confiscate "German external assets" in Austria, resulting in the expropriation of Austrian economic assets worth approximately US$500 million.
During this period of economic growth, Austria also experienced demographic changes. In 2006, 9.8% of the total population, or about 814,800 people, were foreigners, one of the highest rates in Europe. The naturalization rate has been increasing, with approximately 330,000 people naturalized between 1985 and 2003, contributing to the diverse makeup of the country.
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Geographic proximity to Eastern Europe
Austria's proximity to Eastern Europe has had a significant impact on its population dynamics. The country's location near Eastern European trouble spots, including the former Yugoslavia, Hungary, and Turkey, has made it a destination for immigrants from these regions. This is evident in the sharp increase in the number of people with foreign citizenship in the early 1990s and more recently. By 2021, citizens of foreign countries living in Austria accounted for 17.1% of the total population, a significant increase from 3.9% in 1985.
Austria's proximity to these regions has made it a preferred choice for immigrants seeking better economic opportunities or fleeing political and economic instability in their home countries. The country's relatively strong economy and stable political environment have likely been attractive factors for immigrants from Eastern Europe.
Additionally, Austria's membership in the European Union (EU) has also played a role in its attractiveness to Eastern European immigrants. As of 2021, 793,000 citizens from other EU countries resided in Austria, constituting 52% of all foreign citizens in the country. The freedom of movement within the EU facilitates the migration process, making it easier for EU citizens to relocate to Austria compared to non-EU countries.
Furthermore, the geographic proximity to Eastern Europe has influenced the cultural and linguistic diversity in Austria. German is the official language in Austria, and it shares linguistic similarities with several Eastern European countries, such as Germany and Switzerland. This linguistic familiarity may have contributed to the appeal of Austria as an immigration destination for Eastern Europeans.
Austria's proximity to Eastern Europe has also led to the establishment of traditional minority groups within its borders. These groups include Carinthian Slovenes, Croats, and Hungarians, who reside primarily in Austrian Carinthia and Burgenland, near the Hungarian border. The rights of these minorities are protected by law, and they maintain their cultural and linguistic heritage within Austria.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria's population is not currently decreasing, but it is growing at a slow pace. This is due to a combination of factors, including low fertility rates, an aging population, and a comparatively low birth rate.
An aging population can impact the country's economic performance as younger generations will have to support the older generations to a greater extent. However, this also makes the country attractive to immigrants, which has been a significant contributor to population growth.
Immigration has been a significant factor in Austria's population trends. It has been the primary driver of population growth, accounting for 97% of total population growth between 2011 and 2021. The number of people with foreign citizenship has risen sharply over the years, with 1.53 million foreign citizens (17.1% of the population) as of 2021.
