Brussels Population Stalls.. Shocking Shift in Belgium’s Urban Growth Trends Revealed

Population growth in Brussels has been a defining trend over the past two decades, with the Brussels region gaining around 250,000 residents between 2004 and 2024. This increase raised the population from 1 million to 1.25 million, marking a significant 25% rise. However, new projections released on 2025-06-19 08:57:00 suggest that this upward trajectory will stall in the coming decade.

From 2024 to 2034, the Brussels-Capital Region is expected to see a slight population decline of approximately 2,400 inhabitants. This change is primarily due to residents moving to other parts of Belgium, signaling a shift in demographic patterns. What does this mean for the different municipalities within Brussels? The answer varies widely across the city’s 19 communes.

Let’s explore how this population shift will affect Brussels and what it could mean for local communities in the near future.

Why are some Brussels municipalities growing while others shrink? The projections reveal a complex demographic landscape:

• Ten communes, including Evere (+7%) and the city of Brussels (+1.6%), are expected to grow, driven by local development and attractiveness.
• Nine communes will see population decreases, with Sint-Joost-ten-Node experiencing the steepest relative drop (-10.3%).
• Outmigration to other Belgian regions is the main factor behind the overall population decline.
• Growth is concentrated in areas with better infrastructure and amenities, highlighting disparities within the region.

As Brussels faces a population plateau, how will local authorities adapt their strategies to support growing and shrinking communes? Monitoring these changes closely will help ensure balanced development and maintain the city’s vibrancy across all neighborhoods.