Declining Population in Venice’s Historic Centre: A Concerning Trend
The population of Venice’s historic centre has been steadily declining, with the latest figures showing a drop to below 48,000 residents. According to Venessia.com, an activist group that has tracked the city’s population decline for the last 25 years using municipal data, the current population stands at 47,995 people. This decline is a concerning trend that has been ongoing for several decades, with the city’s main island losing over 120,000 resident inhabitants since the 1950s.
Historical Context and Factors Contributing to the Decline
Historically, Venice’s population has been declining due to a combination of factors, including a low birth rate, high cost of living, and limited job opportunities. The city’s councillor for citizen services, Laura Besio, has argued that the declining birth rate is a significant factor, which is a challenge that the municipality cannot easily address. Additionally, the high cost of living, including spiralling rents and house prices, has made it difficult for residents to afford living in the city centre. The lack of job opportunities has also contributed to the decline, with many residents forced to seek employment elsewhere.
Efforts to Control Mass Tourism
The decline in population has coincided with efforts by the city to control overtourism. In 2025, Venice collected €5.4 million in tourist entry fees, with over 720,000 day-trippers charged an entry fee on 54 peak days. The city has implemented measures to manage the large number of tourists, including a base rate of €5 for advance bookings and €10 for last-minute bookings. While these efforts aim to reduce the impact of tourism on the city, they also highlight the challenges of balancing the needs of residents and tourists in a city with a unique and fragile environment.
For more information on the declining population in Venice’s historic centre, visit Here