Population growth in Boden has been evident for several quarters, and the trend is now confirmed: development follows the strong growth path that was expected – and the forecast for the year has already been exceeded. Strong in-migration during the summer meant that the annual forecast for 2025 was passed as early as July. Since then, growth has levelled off somewhat, which is normal when many students move on after the summer.

In June, the population stood at 28,172 – the highest level since the end of 2017. After a few years of decline, the population has recovered strongly, mainly thanks to increased in-migration. The forecast drawn up this spring pointed to 28,248 inhabitants by the end of the year. Now the conditions look good not only to reach the target but also to exceed it.

Drivers behind the development

The population increase is driven by both the green industrial establishment and a growing labour market in the municipality. Stegra’s establishment of the world’s first large-scale green steel plant is approaching production start, and several other companies in business are signalling expansion. The Armed Forces are also planning increased activity in Boden. Together these initiatives are creating new jobs – and a growing need to live close to work.

“The strong development shows that Boden is an attractive place to move to. These are people who want to stay here long-term, and that gives us stability going forward. Many who move here also testify to the quality of life they gain when everything is so close – what we call närhetsliv. For me, it is proof of the hard work that has been done in Boden over many years and something I feel great pride in,” says Magnus Åkerlund.

At the same time, about 3,000 people live temporarily in Boden for work. The difference compared to the current population growth is that those who move in do so long-term – they want to establish themselves, build their lives here and become residents of Boden. This stability makes the development so crucial for the municipality’s future.

“For a municipality like ours, it is absolutely essential that we grow. That is why we have made major investments – in housing, in services and in creating conditions for business. When more people choose to stay in Boden, we can also continue to develop the municipality in the long term and ensure that growth is sustainable,” says Magnus Åkerlund.

Focus on housing

Growth also brings new demands on the municipality. When more people choose to live in Boden, the need for housing, services and infrastructure increases. This requires the municipality to both meet today’s needs and at the same time plan for long-term development.

“We have land allocations and detailed development plans in place and are prioritising work to secure housing for those who move here. It is a challenge, and of course we hope that more developers will see the opportunity to invest in Boden, as growth is expected not only to continue but also to increase in the coming years,” says Magnus Åkerlund.

A predicted change

When the target of 33,000 inhabitants by 2030 was set, it was ambitious. Development has not been entirely linear, but the direction is clear. Now the predicted trends are visible: more migration flows northwards and a growing population choosing Boden.

For the municipality, business and future developers, the message is clear – Boden is growing, and there is good reason to believe that this is only the beginning.

This news article was also published in Boden Bild issue 2–2025. Curious about more news from Boden Bild? Explore the full collection.