Saxony-Anhalt threatens demographic collapse: population shrinks drastically!

Saxony-Anhalt threatens demographic collapse: population shrinks drastically!

in Saxony-Anhalt, demographic change is clearly noticeable and both the population and the average age of people will change significantly in the coming years. According to a current forecast of the State Statistical Office, the population is expected to drop to around 1.83 million by 2040, which corresponds to a decline of around 15%. Around 2.13 million people currently live in Saxony-Anhalt. These developments are primarily due to the low birth rate. For the period from 2023 to 2040, around 225,600 births and 608,900 deaths are expected, which means a negative balance of more than 380,000 people who will be missing from the population.

The trend is particularly alarming that around 20,000 people are dying more than born annually. The assumptions for the birth number are sobering: German women with a birth rate of 1.365 are far below the necessary level, while foreign women with 2.1 children per woman cut off a little better on average. Life expectancy will also change; By 2040, men will come from a life expectancy from 77 to 79 years and women from 83 to 85 years.

spatial differences and challenges

An intensive look at the different regions shows that the effects of demographic change are not evenly distributed. The Burgenlandkreis will record the strongest losses with a decline of up to 25% in some municipalities. A more moderate decline in around 7% is forecast for the Saalekreis, especially in cities such as Merseburg. In contrast, the proportion of age in the urban centers of Halle and Magdeburg remains relatively stable. These cities are regarded as essential attractions in Saxony-Anhalt, where a men's surplus of 94 and in Magdeburg will exist in Halle by 99 men per 100 women.

Overall, the ratio of employment and seniors will change significantly. In 2040, 21 younger people and 54 older people could come to 100 employees. In rural regions, the proportion of employed people could even drop to about half, which could have significant consequences for the local labor market and the social structure.

gender ratio and number of children in focus

Available lives a significant number of 96,000 children under the age of six in Saxony-Anhalt, but a decrease to around 79,000 children is expected by 2040. The decline in Halle and in the district of Wittenberg is particularly high, where over 25% fewer children are forecast. This development is further reinforced by demographic change and the changing family structures.

Klaus Friedrich, a social geographer, emphasizes the opportunity to actively influence demographic change. Targeted immigration, strengthening regional centers and a family -friendly regional policy could help to alleviate the negative effects. In this context, the Demography Portal of the State of Saxony-Anhalt is a valuable source of information that provides numerous data on population development and initiated stimulating discussions about the opportunities of demographic change.

A concrete example of the promotion of social cohesion is the country's commitment fund, which supports projects for neighborhood aid with up to 2,500 euros. In addition, the microcensus in 2024 provides important insights into the growing up of children in Saxony-Anhalt, which is of central importance for future political and social design.

Overall, Saxony-Anhalt and its population face major challenges, but also with opportunities to actively shape a positive change and to counteract demographic developments.