The population density in France was 123.27 people per square kilometer (47.24 per square mile) in 2021. This number has been slowly increasing for the past ten years. Higher population density is associated with urbanization, but not necessarily economic growth.
Comparative densities
France’s population density is higher than the European average. In fact, it is higher than any region except Asia, as well as the total world population density. This is likely due to the number of large cities in France. The country has one of the largest urban populations in the world. This shapes the French economic and social landscapes; the cities become more expensive, but they also bring more economic opportunities. These opportunites attract people both from the French countryside and other countries who hope to benefit from such jobs.
A tale of two countries
For those who can afford it, Paris can be a cosmopolitan paradise. However, with the average price of a rental apartment twice that of most other French cities, few can afford to live in the richest parts of the city. This stark difference in costs implies that average annual wages should have a similar difference between cities. While this is not a perfectly even cause and effect, it gives some explanation for the increasing population density of France.
Population density in France from 1961 to 2021
(inhabitants per square kilometer)
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
World Bank. (August 5, 2022). Population density in France from 1961 to 2021 (inhabitants per square kilometer) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved September 01, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/270339/population-density-in-france/
World Bank. "Population density in France from 1961 to 2021 (inhabitants per square kilometer)." Chart. August 5, 2022. Statista. Accessed September 01, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/270339/population-density-in-france/
World Bank. (2022). Population density in France from 1961 to 2021 (inhabitants per square kilometer). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: September 01, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/270339/population-density-in-france/
World Bank. "Population Density in France from 1961 to 2021 (Inhabitants per Square Kilometer)." Statista, Statista Inc., 5 Aug 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/270339/population-density-in-france/
World Bank, Population density in France from 1961 to 2021 (inhabitants per square kilometer) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/270339/population-density-in-france/ (last visited September 01, 2024)
Population density in France from 1961 to 2021 (inhabitants per square kilometer) [Graph], World Bank, August 5, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/270339/population-density-in-france/