"It's an incredibly positive development for the municipality," says municipal councilor Lorents Burman (S). He doesn't rule out the possibility that Skellefteå might reach a record population size by the end of 2023.
Skellefteå's previous population record was in 1994 when 75,822 individuals resided in the municipality.
Lorents Burman is pleased that the positive population trend persists.
– It's an incredibly positive development, perfectly in line with our plans, he states, emphasizing the strength in Skellefteå's growth pattern, which generates extra tax revenue.
– We've never had as many people employed in the municipality as we do today. About 70 percent, or perhaps even a bit more, of those moving here find employment. That's an extraordinarily high figure. Normally, it hovers around 50 to 53 percent. Each new resident contributes to sustaining quality healthcare, education, and care.
Burman also notes that Skellefteå is not only experiencing an upwards population trend, but other factors are also progressing.
Municipal councilor Lorents Burman (right) engages in conversation with Northvolt CEO Peter Carlsson during the inauguration of Northvolt Ett in June 2022. Northvolt's expansion is contributing to Skellefteå's growth. The company currently employs over 2,000 individuals within the municipality.
– We have Sweden's highest growth per capita in terms of investments, establishments, and more. We have to go back to the time after the discovery of gold in 1924 to find something similar here, explains Lorents Burman.
The population picture in the rest of the region is less encouraging. In the second quarter of 2023, Norsjö fared the best among other municipalities in the Norran region, remaining close to zero net change. Meanwhile, Malå, Arvidsjaur, Arjeplog, and Robertsfors experienced declines of 5 to 16 residents during the quarter.
The three other coastal cities in the north, Umeå, Piteå, and Luleå, also saw population decreases during the same period, according to statistics from SCB (Statistics Sweden).