A new global demographics study has revealed the fastest-growing cities across the Western world, with Australian and Canadian urban centers dominating the rankings as migration and housing affordability reshape population trends.
A new report analyzing population trends across Western countries has identified the cities experiencing the fastest growth between 2021 and 2026. The findings show a strong concentration of rapidly expanding urban areas in Australia and Canada.
The research, conducted by World Depopulation, examined multiple demographic indicators including population growth, fertility rates, migration levels, and natural population change to determine which cities are expanding the fastest.
Australia Leads the Rankings
Australian cities dominate the list, with Perth, Canberra and Brisbane all ranking among the top fastest-growing urban centers. Perth recorded a population growth of nearly 15%, driven by both migration and strong natural population increases.
Analysts say Australia’s growing appeal to international workers and families has contributed significantly to urban expansion, particularly in cities with strong job markets and relatively affordable housing compared to global megacities.
Other cities such as Melbourne and Adelaide also showed steady growth, reflecting a broader national trend of population expansion across multiple regions rather than concentration in a single metropolitan hub.
Canada Sees Strong Migration Growth
Canadian cities also feature prominently, with Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto all appearing in the top rankings. Vancouver recorded the highest overall population growth at 17.6%, largely driven by migration.
Interestingly, Vancouver’s natural population change remains negative, meaning more people are arriving than are being born locally. This highlights the growing importance of immigration in sustaining urban growth in developed economies.
Calgary and Edmonton, meanwhile, are attracting new residents due to employment opportunities and lower living costs compared to larger metropolitan areas.
What’s Driving Population Growth?
The report emphasizes that population growth is influenced by a combination of natural factors, such as birth and death rates, and external factors like migration and economic opportunities.
A demographics expert involved in the study noted that housing affordability plays a critical role in shaping population movements, with people relocating from expensive cities to more affordable emerging urban centers.
This trend is gradually transforming mid-sized cities into major population hubs, reshaping the economic and social landscape of countries across the Western world.
Global Implications
The findings come as Europe faces a projected population decline by the end of the century, raising concerns about workforce shortages and economic sustainability in aging societies.
In contrast, cities in Australia and Canada are expected to continue expanding as they attract both domestic and international migrants seeking better opportunities and quality of life.