As of January 1, 2022, the New Aquitaine has 6.1 million inhabitants, or nearly 9% of the metropolitan population. This region, which remains the third most populous in France, after Île-de-France and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, continues to attract many new residents.
Between 2016 and 2022, the population of the New Aquitaine recorded an average increase of 0.5% per year, or 29,600 additional inhabitants each year. This figure, barely higher than the national average (+0.4%), reflects sustained growth, although slowing compared to the 2011-2016 period (+0.6% per year). The region's demographic dynamism is essentially based on the arrival of new residents.
Demographic evolution in New Aquitaine between 2011, 2016 and 2022
Excess migration: engine of growth
In New Aquitaine, themigration surplus constitutes the sole engine of population growth. Between 2016 and 2022, the arrivals of new residents generated an average annual increase of 41,300 people (+0.7%), the equivalent of a city like Angoulême.
This phenomenon makes it possible to compensate for growing natural deficitconsequence of an excess of deaths over births. Indeed, each year, the region records an average decrease of 11,700 inhabitants (-0.2%) due to the drop in the birth rate and the increase in the number of deaths. This observation is explained by declining fertility: in 2022, women had on average 165 children per 100 women, compared to 173 in 2016.
The 10 most populated municipalities
Geographic disparities: the dynamism of the coastline
Population growth is not uniform across the entire territory. The departments located on the coast, notably Gironde, are experiencing a significant increase in their population. Gironde, the most populous department in the region with 1,675,000 inhabitants, has seen its population grow by 1.1% per year on average since 2016. It stands out as one of the most dynamic metropolitan departments, behind the Haute-Garonne, Corse-du-Sud and Hérault.
On the other hand, other departments such as Creuse continue to lose inhabitants. In this area, the positive migration balance is not enough to compensate for the natural deficit. In total, seven departments have a generally stable population, with an annual variation of between -0.1% and +0.1%.
Rural living areas: contrasting dynamics
In 2022, New Aquitaine will have 211 living areas, 90% of which are rural. These areas are home to almost half of the region's inhabitants (2.99 million). Rural living areas close to urban centers show a slight increase in their population (+0.2% per year on average between 2016 and 2022).
On the other hand, rural areas far from urban centers are experiencing almost no growth. This demographic stability is explained by a low population density and more limited access to essential services, despite their importance for the quality of life of residents.
Population 2022 and evolution between 2016 and 2022, according to the living area
What are the challenges for tomorrow?
The aging of the population in New Aquitaine constitutes a major challenge. The region, like others in France, is suffering the consequences of a lasting decline in the birth rate and an increase in deaths. Faced with these changes, it is essential to adapt infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to guarantee access to local services.
Furthermore, the attractiveness of the region for newcomers, largely motivated by the quality of life, should encourage sustainable management of land use planning. The region will have to find a balance between urban development and preservation of natural spaces, in order to maintain its attractiveness.
The New Aquitaine perfectly illustrates the demographic changes taking place in France. While the region benefits from sustained demographic growth thanks to excess migration, it also faces structural challenges, such as the aging of the population and geographic disparities. Managing these issues will be decisive in preserving its dynamism and improving the quality of life of its residents.
Source : Insse according to a publication written by Emilie David
All the results of the study carried out in INSEE Flash Nouvelle-Aquitaine n° 118 entitled “Reference populations 2022 – Still more inhabitants in Nouvelle-Aquitaine” can be viewed and downloaded on the website www.insee.fr
