Paris, the city of love and lights, has experienced a population decrease of 122,000 over the past decade, according to reports from various sources. This decline is due to several factors, including the high cost of living, a lack of affordable housing, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As per data from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), Paris lost an average of 11,800 inhabitants every year between 2011 and 2022, with the current population estimated to be around 2.1 million people.
The city’s high cost of living, including skyrocketing rents and real estate prices, has made it difficult for many residents to afford to live in Paris. In addition, there is a lack of affordable housing, which has led to many people leaving the city for more affordable areas.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on Paris’ population. The pandemic forced many people to work from home, leading them to re-evaluate their living arrangements. Many people have decided to move away from crowded urban areas like Paris in search of more space and a better quality of life.
The exodus from Paris has been accompanied by an influx of new residents in other French cities such as Lyon, Bordeaux, and Toulouse. These cities are seen as more affordable and offer a better quality of life, with access to green spaces and outdoor activities.
The decrease in Paris’ population has also had economic consequences, with businesses struggling to find skilled workers and the city slowly losing its status as a global hub for finance, fashion, and culture.
While the decrease in Paris’ population is concerning, it has also sparked a conversation about how to make the city more affordable and accessible to a wider range of people. The Parisian government has taken steps to address the issue, including increasing the supply of affordable housing and implementing measures to improve the city’s infrastructure and transportation.
The decrease in Paris’ population is a complex issue with multiple causes. While the city may have lost some of its residents, it remains a vibrant and dynamic hub of culture, art, and history, attracting millions of visitors each year.