Population growth in Skellefteå municipality is expected to set a record in 2023.
On September 26, the 1994 population record was surpassed by 11 people, reaching 75,833. A few days later, another 110 were added.
On November 7, the municipality received the latest update: 76,207 residents.
In the middle of the year, Skellefteå had 75,313 inhabitants. Historically, the third quarter has been slow, as younger people have moved away from the municipality to study.
– We monitor this week by week. Since August 31 it has been very positive. If it continues, we could have 2,000 new residents this year, says Kristina Sundin Jonsson, head of the municipality.
The increase as of last Tuesday means a growth of 1,805 in 2023. In 2022, the growth was 1,009 residents to 74,402, marking the first time in 50 years that the municipality grew by more than 1,000 residents.
– We need increased immigration to deal with the labor shortage, says Sundin Jonsson, noting that there are currently more job openings than job seekers in the municipality.
"It has been very positive since August 31. It could be 2,000 newcomers this year if it continues," says municipal director Kristina Sundin Jonsson.
She further explains that there was a concern that Skellefteå's growth would come at the expense of neighboring municipalities, but the statistics show otherwise.
– The majority come from other parts of Sweden and abroad, says Sundin Jonsson, noting that the immigration generates a substantial addition to the municipality's revenue since the vast majority are moving for employment.
– The average tax revenue per immigrant is between 60,000 and 80,000 kronor, Sundin Jonsson reveals. This would mean increased revenue of over 100 million kronor in 2023.