Boden grows more than expected

According to the official figures, Boden’s population now stands at 28 624. The forecast for 2025 was 28 248, meaning that Boden ended the year 376 above the projected level.

– This is very positive, especially since we want to increase the number of people of working age. We are an ageing municipality, and that affects both the labour market and our welfare system. Therefore, every person who chooses to settle here matters, says Beatrice Öman, mayor of Boden.

More people moving to Boden from other parts of Sweden

Behind the development is a clear trend: a growing share of in-migration comes from other parts of Sweden. During the year, 2 067 people moved to Boden, compared to 1 516 the previous year – an increase of approximately 36 percent.

– It may be people looking for work, people returning, or people who simply see the opportunities here. Regardless, it is very positive news.

At the same time, out-migration remains at roughly the same level as before, resulting in a clear positive net migration for Boden, despite the natural population decrease being larger in 2025 than in 2024.

The growth is not only visible in the statistics – it is also noticeable in everyday life.

– There is more activity and movement. Shops are busy, the range of services is becoming more diverse, and there is a new energy in the town.

At the same time, the figures only tell part of the story. In practice, significantly more people are staying in Boden than the official population register reflects.

– Several thousand people are currently in Boden working on building up the green industry, but they are not registered residents. In practice, we are over 30,000 people here right now – and that makes Boden even more vibrant, she says.

Two strong driving forces

The development is driven by two clear forces: the green industrial expansion and the growth of the Swedish Armed Forces.

– Boden has long been a traditional garrison town, and the Armed Forces continue to strengthen their presence here. Together with the establishment of green industry, this creates new jobs and a broader labour market, enabling Boden to continue growing.

Together, these developments contribute to increased in-migration and a greater need for housing – but also strengthen Boden’s position in a national and international context.

The Chair of the Municipal Executive Board also describes a growing sense of pride.

– Boden has been a shrinking municipality for a long time. In many ways, this feels like a turnaround, and it is encouraging to see development now moving in the right direction.

A welcome challenge – but housing remains the key issue

While population growth is positive, it also brings new challenges, particularly in the housing market.

– It is a welcome challenge, but the housing situation is already strained, especially when it comes to rental apartments. That is often the starting point when people move to a new municipality.

She notes that new housing in Boden is filled quickly.

– When new homes are built, they are practically fully occupied immediately. That shows that demand is strong.

The municipality is actively working to enable more housing construction, including maintaining strong planning preparedness.

– We have worked long-term with detailed planning. Approved zoning plans are already in place, and we continue to develop more, allowing us to act quickly when interest arises, says Beatrice Öman.

The municipality enables – but more incentives are needed

At the same time, additional tools are required to accelerate construction at the pace needed.

– Production costs have increased and investment risks remain high. Banks’ assessments are often based on historical data, and municipalities like Boden have previously faced less favourable conditions. For more developers to move forward, additional incentives are required, and the state needs to contribute with solutions.

This could include state guarantees, investment support or other models that reduce risk for developers.

That Boden is growing more than expected sends an important signal, says Beatrice Öman.

– It shows that people want to move here and settle here. Now we need to continue building an attractive and sustainable Boden – and ensure that more people have the opportunity to live here.