Statistics - Census 2022: Bavaria is growing and getting older
Bavaria's Population Grows Older: Key Insights from the 2022 Census
The population of Bavaria has grown and aged, according to the results of the 2022 Census presented by Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) and the President of the Bavarian State Statistical Office, Thomas Gössl, in Fürth on Friday. This comprehensive statistical survey provides insights not only into the population count but also into how people live, work, and reside in the Free State. Here's an overview of the most significant findings:
Population Growth
Compared to the last survey eleven years ago, the number of people in the Free State has increased by 5.2% to 13.04 million. The majority of this growth is attributed to immigration from abroad, as Herrmann stated. As a result, approximately 1.86 million people with foreign citizenship resided in Bavaria at the time of the census, representing a 14.3% share of the total population.
Interestingly, the population count is slightly lower than the previously valid official population figure for Bavaria, which was calculated based on the 2011 census and population growth estimates.
Regional Differences
The population growth was not uniform across the entire state. The greatest increase was observed in the Regierungsbezirke Oberbayern (8.1%) and Schwaben (6.4%), with 350,822 and 113,806 new residents, respectively. In contrast, Oberfranken experienced a population decline of -1.5% (16,011 people). Herrmann emphasized that the attractiveness of all regions in Bavaria should be considered and that development outside of urban centers should also be enhanced. "Our goal is to achieve roughly equal living conditions in cities and rural areas."
Aging Society
Bavaria has grown older. The average age was 43.7 years according to the survey, below the federal average of 44.3 years. However, the population has aged more significantly compared to the 2011 census (42.5 years). The largest share of children and adolescents reside in Schwaben and Oberbayern. In the other administrative districts, there are significantly more elderly residents.
Housing and Rent
The percentage of households living in their own homes was 48.6% in the Free State, which is 5 percentage points higher than the national average. The highest percentage of homeownership is in Niederbayern (58.6%), while the lowest is in Oberbayern (40.5%).
For the first time, the census also sheds light on rental costs. The average net cold rent in Bavaria was €8.74 per square meter, the second-highest value in Germany after Hamburg (€9.16). The range spans from €5.99 in Oberfranken to €10.95 in Oberbayern. Munich has an average net cold rent of €12.89 per square meter. The most expensive community, according to the census, is Neubiberg (Landkreis München), with an average net cold rent of €13.84 per square meter.
A significant portion of the population still heats with oil and gas.
Approximately three-quarters of all residential buildings in Bavaria are heated with Gas (34.4 percent) or Oil (37.0 percent). In addition, there is a particularly high share of wood and wood pellets (12.8 percent) at the federal level. The rest of the Republic averages only 5.8 percent. Renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal, and heat pumps play a minor role in heating the residential buildings in Bavaria (5.8 percent). However, a change is noticeable in the building stock. For buildings constructed since 2010, this share already stands at 35.2 percent and differs significantly from the older buildings in Bavaria.
Statement of the Bavarian Statistical Office Results of the Census 2022 Statement of the Bavarian Interior Ministry
- According to Joachim Herrmann (CSU), the Bavarian Interior Minister, the population growth in Bavaria from the last census eleven years ago was driven mainly by immigration, leading to a significant increase of 1.86 million people with foreign citizenship.
- The findings from the 2022 Census revealed noticeable differences in population growth across various regions in Bavaria. Oberbayern and Schwaben experienced significant growth of 8.1% and 6.4%, respectively, while Oberfranken experienced a minor decline of -1.5%.
- Fürth, the location where the results of the 2022 Census were presented, is part of the Regierungsbezirk Mittelfranken, which saw a population increase of 2.3% during this period.
- Bavaria's population grew older, with the average age reaching 43.7 years, according to the census results. However, the steepest increase in age was observed since the 2011 census (42.5 years).
- Herrmann highlighted the importance of ensuring equal living conditions in urban and rural areas, as rural areas in Bavaria, such as Upper Franconia (Oberfranken), showed a population decline.
- The census also provided insights into housing and rental costs in Bavaria. The average net cold rent in Bavaria was €8.74 per square meter, with significant variations across various regions, with Munich and Neubiberg (Landkreis München) having the highest rental costs.
