Barcelona closed 2025 with 1,729,963 registered inhabitants, 0.1% less than a year earlier. The registry confirms a demographic slowdown in the city after years of sustained growth, with slight decreases in seven of the ten districts.
The drop occurs despite an increase in the foreign population, which rises by 0.7% and now reaches 460,409 people. This increase does not compensate for the city's negative natural balance, with 14,557 deaths compared to 11,012 births, a deficit of 3,549 inhabitants that leaves births at their second-lowest value since 1900.
Barcelona lost population even though the foreign population rose to 26.6%
The demographic stagnation is explained by low birth rates, an aging population, and a moderation of migratory flow. The average age of residents is now 44.6 years.
In parallel, the foreign-nationality population represents 26.6% of the total and includes residents from 181 nationalities. The population born in the city, on the other hand, accounts for 44.6% of the total and maintains a downward trend that began more than two decades ago.
By districts, Ciutat Vella, Nou Barris, and Sant Andreu register small population increases. The rest of the city shows slight decreases, indicating an unequal distribution of demographic movement within the municipal area.
Births fell to 11,012 and the city reached a record of 1,196 centenarians
The most significant figure appears in the vital statistics. Barcelona recorded 14,557 deaths compared to 11,012 births in 2025, with a negative natural balance of 3,549 inhabitants.
At the same time, the city reached a historic high of 1,196 centenarians. Eight out of ten are women, a distribution that also reflects the greater female presence in older age groups.
This aging coexists with a high level of education among the adult population. 37.4% of those over 16 have higher education, with a difference between women and men of 39.6% compared to 35%.
Among the foreign population, the level of higher education reaches 42.7%. In the group of new residents, the proportion rises to 44%.