Polish cities are shrinking as demographic outflow continues
Polish cities are facing major demographic challenges driven by low birth rates, youth migration, and an aging population. According to the Polish Cities Association, 70 out of 1,020 cities have fertility rates so low that they could disappear within two generations. No city in Poland currently reaches the 2.1 fertility rate needed for population replacement. In the first half of 2025, 72 cities recorded fewer than 10 births, and some reported none. Many young residents are leaving smaller towns for better opportunities, weakening local economies.
Housing shortages also contribute to the trend, with 516 cities completing no new apartment buildings in 2025. Meanwhile, aging populations are reshaping labor markets and municipal budgets, forcing local governments to focus more on social services than infrastructure investment.
