Helsinki's population now exceeds 700,000
Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Helsinki's population has surpassed 700,000, marking a significant milestone for the Finnish capital.
- The city has experienced record population growth over the past two years, primarily driven by migration from both abroad and other parts of Finland.
- The growing population is predominantly working-age individuals, contributing to Helsinki's younger median age compared to the rest of Finland.
Helsinki has officially crossed the 700,000 population mark, the city announced, celebrating a milestone achieved after years of steady growth. This achievement follows the city's previous record of exceeding 600,000 residents in August 2012.
The city's population has seen unprecedented growth in the last two years. Migration is the primary driver, accounting for approximately 80% of the annual increase. This influx comes from both international movers and those relocating from other Finnish regions. In 2025, migration accounted for 90% of population growth, with about one-fifth of new residents coming from abroad.
The demographic trend shows a significant increase in the working-age population, a pattern expected to continue. This influx contributes to Helsinki's relatively young median age of 39 years as of the end of 2025, compared to the national median of 44 years. However, like the rest of Finland, Helsinki is also experiencing a rapid increase in its elderly population.
While migration is the main factor, natural population increase also plays a role. In 2025, Helsinki recorded 6,842 births, a slight increase compared to the previous two years. The city is preparing for continued growth, with projections indicating a sustained strong development in the coming years.
Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.