Helsinki has seen a significant rise in domestic migration, with more people moving to the capital from other parts of Finland in the first half of this year. Preliminary data from Statistics Finland shows that over 2,000 new residents relocated to Helsinki between January and July, a figure that marks an increase of around 600 compared to the same period in 2023. This return to pre-pandemic migration levels reflects a pattern last observed in the mid-2010s.
While immigration from abroad remains strong, there has been a slight slowdown compared to the previous two years. From January to July, approximately 3,000 new international residents moved to Helsinki, down from a record 4,600 during the same period last year. Both domestic and international migration figures include Finns as well as foreign nationals, though a more detailed breakdown of nationalities is not yet available.
In terms of natural population growth, Helsinki experienced a slight rise in births compared to last year. By the end of July, about 3,700 children were born, an increase of 100 compared to the same time in 2023. However, this number is still well below the baby boom seen during the pandemic in 2020–21.
By the end of July, Helsinki’s population stood at around 680,000. The greater capital region, which includes Helsinki and its surrounding areas, reached a population of nearly 1.6 million, with notable growth in neighboring cities like Espoo. The city’s data, based on preliminary statistics, may be updated when final figures are released in early 2025.