Lozère, the least populated department in France, has a stable population with 76,503 inhabitants in 2022, according to INSEE. This fragile balance is based on a positive migratory balance (+0.6%) offsetting a declining natural balance (-0.5%).
Lozère, the least populated department in mainland France, had 76,503 inhabitants in 2022, according to the latest data published by INSEE before the end-of-year holidays. With an average annual variation of 0% between 2016 and 2022the population remains stable, recording an average gain of only 14 inhabitants per year over this period. This fragile balance is based on a positive migratory balance (+0.6%), offsetting a declining natural balance (-0.5%).
Contrasted demographic dynamics
The departmental capital, Mende, stands out for its attractiveness. With average annual growth of +0.6%, it will reach 12,322 inhabitants in 2022, playing its role as a demographic driver. Horac Trois Rivières also posted notable growth (+0.3%).
On the other hand, some municipalities are struggling to maintain their population. This is particularly the case for Bourgs sur Colagne, which recorded the strongest decline with an average annual decline of -0.7%. Saint-Chély-d’Apcher and La Canourgue also suffered marked declines (-0.5% each).
The population of the largest municipalities of Lozère at half mast
The most populated municipalities in the department illustrate the department’s difficulties. Unlike Mende, which is developing, the main municipalities of Lozère are experiencing a decline more or less marked by their population: Marvejols (4,752 inhabitants) at -0.1% per year, Saint-Chély-d’Apcher (4,025 inhabitants) at -0.5%, Langogne (2,860 inhabitants) with – 0.2% and Peyre en Aubrac (2,304 inhabitants) with -0.1%.
If Lozère benefits from a balance of migration which supports its population, the acceleration of demographic aging could pose new challenges. Between 2011 and 2016, the migration balance was +0.2%, compared to +0.6% over the period 2016-2022, but the natural balance, already negative, deteriorated further.
