For several years, Calvados has been approaching the 700,000 inhabitants mark. This bar has now been more than largely crossed since, according to the latest INSEE (National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies) census, the department had 704,605 inhabitants in 2022, or 10,926 more than in 2016.
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Calvados therefore strengthens its place as the second Norman department in terms of population behind Seine-Maritime (1.2 million inhabitants), but loses one place in the national ranking, 34e.
Where it increases
After several years of decline, Caen once again became the locomotive of the department in terms of population. The comeback has become sustainable since 2018, and in 2022, Caen had 108,398 inhabitants, almost 3,000 more than in 2016. Its conurbation is also experiencing fairly strong growth, particularly the municipalities of Carpiquet (+ 4.8% per year ), or that of Bourguébus (+ 5%). But some municipalities further south, in Normandy Switzerland, between Caen and Falaise are also seeing their population increase significantly, such as Mutrécy (+ 8.3%) or Boulon (+ 3.8%). Also note significant population growth to the west of Bayeux and inland on the Côte Fleurie. “Among the 140 municipalities with more than 1,000 inhabitants, more than half benefit from a significant increase in population”specifies INSEE.
Where it goes down
Quite widely, the department’s medium-sized towns are becoming depopulated. This is the case of Lisieux which had already passed the 20,000 inhabitants mark but which continues its decline (-0.6%), or even Bayeux (-1%) or Falaise (-1%). The Pays d’Auge is losing inhabitants, just like the Virois bocage.
Overall, apart from the Côte de Nacre, the coastline is seeing its number of inhabitants drop, particularly on the Côte Fleurie, in Honfleur (-2.2%), Houlgate (-2.7%) and Villers-sur-Mer ( -1.7%).
The record
This year it is held by Goustranville, a small town between Caen and Dozulé, which had 184 souls in 2016 and 327 in 2022, an increase of 10.1% per year.
