Or to be exact, the correct number is 78,001 inhabitants, which means an increase of almost 700 people in the last quarter. Municipal Commissioner (kommunalråd) Evelina Fahlesson, Social Democrats, thinks the increase is positive.

– It means that we are steadily progressing in terms of migration and meeting the current competence needs in the business sector, she says.

New residents also bring certain challenges, such as making them feel at home in their new city.

– It is so exciting that we get new neighbors and meet new people along the river promenades or on Vitberget. But it is also important that those of us who have lived here for a long time invite them into community life and to barbecue evenings, says Evelina Fahlesson.

However, there is still a long way to go to reach the set goals. Skellefteå's vision is to have 90,000 inhabitants by 2030 and reach the impressive milestone of 100,000 by 2040.

– As we are progressing now, things look positive. Our top priority is to improve the housing market so that everyone has a place to live, says Evelina Fahlesson.