Over the span of six years, the capital city of France has experienced a 0.6% decrease in its population, particularly in the central districts, with only the IIe and IVe arrondissements showing an increase in population.

This trend has become more pronounced since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, indicating a decrease in the city’s appeal and a reluctance of even long-term residents to stay. The annual demographic report from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee), reported by Le Parisien on December 28, revealed these findings.

As of January 1, 2024, Paris has 2,133,111 residents, marking a 0.6% decrease over six years. From 2015 to 2021, 73,377 Parisians have chosen to leave the city. The year 2020 to 2021, the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, saw an even more drastic decline with 12,795 residents departing. Paris is the only department in Île-de-France to experience a population decrease.

The central districts, particularly the Ier and IIIe arrondissements, have been most affected by mass departures, with declines of -0.6% and -1.1% respectively, while the IIe and IVe arrondissements recorded respective increases of 0.3% and 0.7%. Elsewhere, surges of departures are evident, particularly in the VIIe and Xe arrondissements with declines of -2% and -1.6% respectively.

Reasons for this exodus range from a lack of green spaces, transportation issues, to the high cost of living and expensive rents. The sentiment of disenchantment with the city is shared by young individuals and students, leading to concerns about the city’s governance and planning in response to this trend.

The declining affection for Paris is a concern that needs to be addressed, particularly as residents continue to leave the city. It will be interesting to see how the governance and city planning will evolve in response to this trend in the coming years.