Local-born residents in Girona fall below 50% for first time

The share of Girona city residents born locally – in the province of Girona – has fallen to 49.9%, according to municipal registry data from January 1, 2025, analyzed by the Catalan News Agency (ACN).

This is the first time that those born in the northern Catalan region of Girona are not the majority in the city, at least since detailed records began in 2005.

Over the last decade, the share has dropped by more than five percentage points, and since 2022 alone, it has fallen three points.

Residents of Girona city that were born in the city itself have also hit a low. They now account for 35.8% of the population.

Meanwhile, the number of registered residents born abroad continues to grow, nearing 30%. In the Old Town area (Barri Vell), foreign-born residents have jumped ten percentage points in two years, almost reaching 50%.

Based on registry data, one in six foreign-born residents come from Europe, North America, or Oceania – a common way to define expats, although the label is not universally agreed upon. 

Migration fuels city's growth

The population of the historic city of Girona reached 109,293 inhabitants on January 1, 2025, a new record high that continues the upward trend of recent years.

Over the past two decades, the population has grown by 25%, with more than 20,000 new registered residents.

After stagnation caused by the pandemic, the population has risen 4.7% in the last two years.

The recent population increase is explained almost entirely by the growth in people born abroad.

While in 2022 this group numbered around 26,000, it has now reached 32,706, rising from 25.7% to 29.9% of the total.

Over the same period, those born in Spain increased by only 237 people, reaching 76,587.

Attractive city

Queralt Vila – Councilor for Education, Participation, and Citizen Services – explained to the Catalan News Agency (ACN) that the arrival of newcomers "shows that Girona is a very attractive city."

According to Vila, Girona is a very livable and friendly city, and therefore serves as "a magnet" for many people from elsewhere.

"It offers comprehensive services, numerous facilities, and excellent cultural, sports, educational, and training opportunities," she added.