Demographics Of Wiener Neustadt
According to the latest estimates, Wiener Neustadt had a population of 46,440 in 2023. This represents an increase of 7.9% from the 2015 population of 43,019. The population of Wiener Neustadt is expected to continue growing in the future, reaching 48,000 by 2030.
Wiener Neustadt is the urban center of the Wiener Neustadt-Land District, which has a total population of 178,000 as of 2020. The district covers an area of 1,098 km2, making it the largest in Lower Austria. The district includes 35 municipalities, of which Wiener Neustadt is the only statutory city.
Wiener Neustadt has an area of 60.94 km2, giving it a population density of 762 people per km. This is higher than the average population density of Lower Austria, which is 97 people per km, but lower than the national average of 107 people per km.
Population Growth Trends
Wiener Neustadt has experienced significant population growth in the past decades, especially since the 1990s. Between 1991 and 2023, the population of Wiener Neustadt increased by 32.2%, from 35,134 to 46,440. This is higher than the population growth rate of Lower Austria, which was 19.6% in the same period, and of Austria, which was 16.4%.
The main factors that contributed to the population growth of Wiener Neustadt are natural increase, migration, and urbanization. Natural increase refers to the difference between births and deaths, which was positive for Wiener Neustadt in the past years. Migration refers to the movement of people from other regions or countries to Wiener Neustadt, which was also positive, as more people moved to the city than left it. Urbanization refers to the process of people moving from rural areas to urban areas, which increased the demand for housing and services in Wiener Neustadt.
Demographic Profiles
Age Distribution
Wiener Neustadt has a relatively young population, with a median age of 41 years. This is lower than the median age of Lower Austria, which is 43.5 years, and of Austria, which is 44.1 years. The age distribution of Wiener Neustadt is as follows:
- 0-17 years: 18.7%
- 18-64 years: 64.2%
- 65+ years: 17.1%
The age structure of Wiener Neustadt reflects the trends of natural increase, migration, and urbanization. The high proportion of young people (0-17 years) indicates a high fertility rate and a positive natural increase. The high proportion of working-age people (18-64 years) indicates a high level of migration and urbanization, as more people move to the city for work and education opportunities. The lower proportion of elderly people (65+ years) indicates a lower life expectancy and a higher mortality rate than the national average.
Gender Distribution
Wiener Neustadt has a slightly higher female population than male population, with a gender ratio of 95.1 males per 100 females. This is similar to the gender ratio of Lower Austria, which is 95.4 males per 100 females, and of Austria, which is 95.6 males per 100 females. The gender distribution of Wiener Neustadt is as follows:
- Male population: 48.7%
- Female population: 51.3%
The gender distribution of Wiener Neustadt reflects the patterns of migration and urbanization. More females than males tend to migrate to urban areas, as they have more access to education, health, and social services. More males than females tend to stay in rural areas, as they are more involved in agricultural and industrial activities.
Ethnicity and Cultural Diversity
Wiener Neustadt is a multicultural and multilingual city, with people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. According to the 2011 census, the ethnic composition of Wiener Neustadt was as follows:
- Austrian: 82.9%
- Turkish: 3.6%
- German: 2.8%
- Serbian: 2.3%
- Croatian: 1.5%
- Other: 6.9%
The ethnic diversity of Wiener Neustadt reflects the history and geography of the city, as well as the trends of migration and globalization. Wiener Neustadt has been influenced by various cultures and nations, such as the Mongols, the Hungarians, the Habsburgs, and the Ottomans. Wiener Neustadt is also located near the borders of Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, which facilitates cross-border mobility and exchange. Wiener Neustadt has also attracted immigrants and refugees from different parts of the world, especially from Turkey, the former Yugoslavia, and the Middle East.
The most common languages spoken in Wiener Neustadt are German, Turkish, Serbian, Croatian, and English. German is the official language and the main language of communication and education. Turkish, Serbian, and Croatian are the languages of the largest minority groups, and are often used in family and community settings. English is the most widely used foreign language, and is taught in schools and universities.
Wiener Neustadt is also home to various religious and spiritual communities, such as Roman Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, and Hindu. The majority of the population is Roman Catholic, as Wiener Neustadt is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wiener Neustadt, which was established in 1469. However, there is also a significant presence of other Christian denominations, such as Lutherans, Anglicans, and Pentecostals. The largest non-Christian group is Muslim, mainly composed of Turkish and Bosnian immigrants and refugees. There are also smaller groups of Jews, Buddhists, and Hindus, who practice their faith in synagogues, temples, and meditation centers.
Wiener Neustadt celebrates its diversity and promotes intercultural dialogue and cooperation. The city organizes various events and festivals, such as the International Culture Festival, the Turkish Culture Week, the Serbian Culture Days, and the Wiener Neustadt Carnival. The city also supports various associations and initiatives, such as the Integration Council, the Intercultural Center, the Women’s Center, and the Youth Center.
Economic Demographics
Employment Rates
Wiener Neustadt has a high employment rate, with 93.1% of the working-age population (15-64 years) being employed as of 2019. This is higher than the employment rate of Lower Austria, which is 91.4%, and of Austria, which is 90.6%. The unemployment rate of Wiener Neustadt is 6.9%, which is lower than the national average of 9.4%.
The employment structure of Wiener Neustadt is as follows:
- Services: 75.6%
- Industry: 21.4%
- Agriculture: 3.0%
The service sector is the largest and most dynamic sector in Wiener Neustadt, providing jobs in various fields, such as trade, tourism, health, education, administration, and finance. The industry sector is the second-largest and most traditional sector in Wiener Neustadt, producing goods in sectors such as metal, machinery, electronics, chemicals, and textiles. The agriculture sector is the smallest and most declining sector in Wiener Neustadt, mainly consisting of crop and livestock farming.
Income Distribution
Wiener Neustadt has a relatively high income level, with a median disposable income of 23,900 euros per year as of 2018. This is higher than the median disposable income of Lower Austria, which is 23,600 euros per year, and of Austria, which is 23,300 euros per year. The disposable income refers to the income after taxes and social contributions, which can be used for consumption or saving.
The income distribution of Wiener Neustadt is as follows:
- Lowest 20%: 9,400 euros per year
- Second 20%: 16,100 euros per year
- Third 20%: 21,800 euros per year
- Fourth 20%: 29,200 euros per year
- Highest 20%: 43,900 euros per year
The income inequality of Wiener Neustadt is measured by the Gini coefficient, which ranges from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality). The Gini coefficient of Wiener Neustadt is 0.28, which is lower than the Gini coefficient of Lower Austria, which is 0.29, and of Austria, which is 0.30. This indicates that Wiener Neustadt has a more equal income distribution than the regional and national averages.
The income level and distribution of Wiener Neustadt reflect the economic structure and performance of the city, as well as the social policies and welfare system of the country. Wiener Neustadt has a diversified and competitive economy, with a high employment rate and a low unemployment rate. Wiener Neustadt also benefits from the progressive tax system and the generous social security system of Austria, which provide income support and redistribution to the population.
