Milan has maintained its population of 1,4 million inhabitants, which is practically stable compared to the previous year. However, the figures reveal a profound change: in the last ten years, 26% of residents have been replaced.
This data prompts reflections on the differences between long-time Milanese and newcomers — including in terms of income, for example.
On Friday, the mayor beppe room He published on his Instagram profile the Civil Registry data that illustrates the city. Among the "Milanese," 21,3% do not have Italian citizenship – a slight decrease compared to 22% three years ago.
Furthermore, the average age of the population is 46 years, with an impressive proportion of over 40% single or unmarried. The number of ultracentenarians reaches 487, while women make up 51,3% of the population, a percentage that increases with advancing age.
The trend, however, is not only one of demographic change, but also of a decline in the number of births. In 2024, only 8.795 babies were born, echoing the decline observed throughout the country.
In terms of youth, the Dergano neighborhood stands out: overcoming San Siro, the region, located in the Casas Aler area, is home to two in every ten residents under the age of 19 and has 57% of residents with foreign origins.
Diversity is also evident in the composition of immigrant communities. Today, the presence of Egyptians in Milan far exceeds that of Filipinos, followed by Chinese, Bengalis, Romanians and Peruvians. This dynamic reinforces the cosmopolitan character of the city, which attracts, especially from abroad, more people than it manages to drive away – even in the face of high real estate prices and the impact of working from home.
According to the Civil Registry, the average rate of new registrations is 3,4%, while cancellations are around 2,6%; it is worth noting, however, that cancellations have grown by 18,5% in the last five years.
Milan had a population of 1,7 million in the past
Milan's demographic history also has its nuances. In the 70s, the industrial metropolis reached its peak, quickly surpassing 1,7 million inhabitants, only to enter a prolonged demographic winter.
In 2019, the 1,4 million resident figure was recovered, albeit temporarily lost, only to be surpassed again at a much faster pace than expected – some claimed that this level would only be reached again from 2036 onwards.
As the population changes, equally profound changes are occurring in other sectors. According to the Chamber of Commerce, in just two years, 20% of newsstands have changed ownership.
Historic shops and small establishments have been closing their doors after decades of business, often making way for international chains and brands. Last Friday, for example, one of the oldest shoe stores in Milan, which had occupied its “corner” on Via Appiani for 50 years, suddenly closed its doors, leaving only a sign that announced: “Closed due to closure of activity".
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