Skellefteå residents are now more numerous than ever

In 1994, Skellefteå had its largest population to date with 75,822 inhabitants in the municipality. On September 26, 2023, that figure is beaten as newly received figures show that today Skellefteå's population has grown to 75,833 people.

The figures have been pointing upwards for a long time. In 2022, Skellefteå municipality's population increased by 1009 people. It was the first time in 50 years that Skellefteå increased by more than 1000 people in a single year. At the end of the year, the population was up to 74,402 inhabitants. During 2023, this development has pointed ever more steeply upwards. At mid-year, the population was up to 75,313 and as we now write September, the record is a fact.

- In the third quarter, we usually see a slightly weaker population development in Skellefteå because many younger people move from here to study in other places. This year we see a positive development in the third quarter, although it is a little too early to count the final figures yet. We are particularly pleased that we also have a strong development in the higher education programs offered here in Skellefteå, says Evelina Fahlesson, municipal councilor (S).

The figures are updated every week so the exact number of inhabitants can vary both up and down from today's figure before the year is finally summarized.

- "We hope that the strong trend will continue throughout the year, but we won't know the final result until early next year. Staff who work here temporarily are not visible in these statistics, but of course we hope that they too will discover what a great place we live in and choose to settle here, says Kristina Sundin Jonsson, municipal director of Skellefteå municipality.

However, most indications are that the development will continue to be positive in terms of population growth.

- The development looks strong and we constantly meet new people from other parts of Sweden and from other countries at our immigrant meetings that we regularly arrange. We can all help to make more people feel comfortable here, and it is often this social interaction that is important for people to want to stay. If the population is to increase, it is just as important that people want to stay, as that new people move in," says Helena Renström, marketing manager for Skellefteå municipality.