Kraków population approaches 820,000 despite negative natural growth

Kraków is experiencing steady population growth, reaching 819,493 residents by the end of June 2026. This represents an increase of over 10,000 people compared to eighteen months prior. The city is currently nearing the 820,000 inhabitant threshold.

Despite this overall increase, the city faces a demographic paradox: deaths are outnumbering births. In the first half of 2026, Kraków recorded 3,461 live births compared to 3,776 deaths, resulting in a negative natural increase of 315 people.

The population growth is being driven by migration rather than natural increase. During the first six months of 2026, the internal migration balance was positive by 2,505 people, as more individuals moved to the city for permanent residence than left it. This trend distinguishes Kraków from many other large Polish cities that are currently facing depopulation.