Lucas do Rio Verde sees 1,383% population growth in 35 years

Lucas do Rio Verde has experienced a population surge of 1,383.5% over the last 35 years, according to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The municipality grew from 6,693 inhabitants in 1991 to an estimated 99,291 by 2026, representing an average exponential growth rate of 8.01%.

This rapid expansion places the city in third place nationally among Brazilian municipalities with populations exceeding 50,000. Local officials attribute this growth to the city’s status as a hub for the agroindustry, which has driven job creation, infrastructure improvements, and investments in health, education, and housing.

Mayor Miguel Vaz noted that the city's primary challenge is to ensure that continued investment in public services keeps pace with the accelerating population growth.