Ourense city loses child population to growing metropolitan area

Demographic data from the end of 2025 reveals a significant shift in the Ourense region, characterized by a decline in the child population within the city center and rapid growth in its metropolitan area.

According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), the city of Ourense has seen a net loss of 1,402 children under the age of ten since the beginning of the century, dropping from 8,154 to 6,752. This decline is attributed to high housing costs in the urban center and a post-pandemic preference for open spaces, driving families toward the periphery.

In contrast, metropolitan municipalities are seeing their child populations double. San Cibrao das Viñas grew from 192 children in 2001 to 443 in 2025, a trend local officials attribute to available employment, affordable housing, and work-life balance options. Similarly, O Pereiro de Aguiar reported a 90% increase, rising from 273 to 519 minors. Other growing areas include Barbadás, which added 150 children to its population.