Grande ABC faces aging population and R$ 13 billion in municipal debt

The Grande ABC region in Brazil is experiencing significant demographic and fiscal shifts. According to data from Fundação Seade, the elderly population in the seven cities of the region has surpassed the number of children and adolescents as of July 2026. The region recorded 529,763 residents aged 60 or older, compared to 455,800 people aged 14 or younger. São Caetano shows the highest aging index, with 1.72 elderly residents for every young person.

Simultaneously, the region faces substantial fiscal challenges. Six of the seven municipalities in Grande ABC report a combined active debt of approximately R$ 13 billion in 2026. This amount consists of tax and non-tax credits owed to the cities. Santo André holds the largest reported stock at R$ 4.1 billion, followed by Diadema with R$ 3.94 billion and Mauá with roughly R$ 3 billion. Property tax (IPTU) and service tax (ISS) constitute significant portions of these outstanding debts.