Arequipa population surge (2025 census)

The 2025 National Population and Housing Census revealed a rapid expansion of residents in the Arequipa region of Peru. In the Cerro Colorado district of Arequipa, the population rose to 262,080, an increase of more than 64,000 since the 2017 census and a 3.6% intercensal growth rate, placing the district among the fastest‑growing in the country and prompting local authorities to consider the impact on urban planning, services and infrastructure.

Across the wider province, the census recorded an addition of roughly 300,000 people over the previous nine years, bringing the provincial total to about 1.322 million and representing a 22.3% growth rate. The entire Arequipa region counted 1.736 million residents (about 1.815 million when adjusted for the omission margin), making it one of Peru’s four most‑populated departments. Urban areas host the majority of inhabitants, while other provinces such as Caylloma, Caravelí and Condesuyos also experienced notable increases. Regional officials said the data will guide poverty‑index calculations and inform both public‑ and private‑sector planning for the coming years.