Lugano’s Statistical Data for the Year 2024

The City of Lugano today publishes the annual indicators regarding population, unemployment, buildings, and economic activities. The year 2024 saw moderate population growth, while the increase in economic activities was more pronounced. As of 31 December 2024, there were 68,507 inhabitants and 17,579 economic activities, corresponding to percentage increases of 0.2% and 0.8%, respectively.

For the fourth consecutive year, the demographic growth that began in 2021 has been confirmed, though it is less marked than in previous years. Permanent residents increased by 94 (+0.1%), reaching 64,430, while secondary residents numbered 2,774 (-0.1%), and resident commuters and cross-border workers were 1,303, an increase of 3.2% compared to last year.

New arrivals of inhabitants totalled 5,814, births 426, departures 5,422, deaths 704, marriages 441, and divorces 244. The natural balance (births minus deaths) decreased from -252 to -278 compared to last year, due to a further 5.8% drop in births. Thus, a further reduction in the birth rate in Lugano is confirmed.

The population increased in the following age groups: 10–19, 20–29, 30–39, 60–69, 80–89, 90–99, and 100–119. Notably, there were significant increases in the 100–109 age group (+46.2%) and the 90–99 age group (+3.9%). The population decreased in the 0–9, 40–49, 50–59, and 70–79 age groups. The number of people aged between 110 and 119 years remained unchanged at 1. The population in the university-age bracket continues to rise: on 31 December 2024, Lugano recorded 163 additional 20-year-olds. The 2024 demographic data analysed by age shows an increasingly evident ageing of the population.

Compared to 2023, the migration balance (arrivals minus departures) fell from +789 to +392. In this regard, arrivals decreased by 4.5% but remained higher than departures, which increased by 2.3%. Intra-District migrations increased (1,347, +5.2%) compared to a reduction in inter-District migrations (2,388, -5.2%). Overall mobility remains high, though lower than the previous year: the mobility rate decreased from 20.62% (2023) to 20.25% (2024).

At the District level, the population grew most significantly in Molino Nuovo (+121), Viganello (+91), and Besso (+46). Conversely, the most notable decreases were in Cassarate (-89), Barbengo (-68), and Villa Luganese (-35). The highest growth rates were recorded in the Districts of Brè, Certara, Cureggia, and Davesco-Soragno, while the lowest were in Villa Luganese, Bogno, and Aldesago. For the first time, a city District has exceeded 10,000 inhabitants: Molino Nuovo’s population was 10,114 as of 31 December 2024. Presented for the first time this year are population statistics by “costellazioni,” the new territorial divisions introduced by the City’s master plan.

Lugano is home to 141 nationalities. In 2024, 419 people obtained Swiss citizenship, 56.3% more than in 2023. Last year saw the conclusion of naturalisation processes started in 2020; the pandemic had reduced the number of ongoing procedures due to restrictions. In this sense, the data are now back in line with 2022.

The unemployed registered with the Uffici Regionali di Collocamento (URC, Regional Employment Office) rose by 4.5% year over year, reaching 830. The active population grew by 228 units, reaching a total of 41,590. Consequently, the unemployment rate (according to SECO) increased from 1.92% (2023) to 2.00% (2024). The unemployment rate in Lugano nevertheless remains lower than the cantonal average (3.1%) and the Swiss average (2.8%).

There are 12,608 registered buildings with 50,645 property units (+0.3% compared to 2023). The total number of buildings increased by 55 units compared to 2023, representing a 0.4% rise. The number of dwellings reached 42,385, marking a 0.5% increase over 2023.

Economic activities increased by 137 units compared to 2023. In particular, there were increases in the sectors of culture (+2.7%), information technology and telecommunications (+1.3%), and retail trade (+1.0%). Activities in the FinTech sector also grew, in line with the City’s development strategies. More notable declines were seen in transport and logistics (-4.6%), extractive activities, energy, water, and waste collection (-4.4%), and wholesale trade (-3.3%). Overall, the tertiary sector has strengthened, while in the secondary sector, the decline in active enterprises in extractive activities, energy, water, waste collection, and construction and engineering partly stems from mergers and acquisitions.

Over the coming months, the City of Lugano will conduct various in-depth studies on these and other data with the aim of providing new knowledge tools for the administration, politics, the population, and the economy. The City of Lugano adopts an internal data intelligence strategy to provide operational tools to the administration’s services and divisions and to lay a solid foundation for designing public policies. On the communication front, an editorial agenda will be followed to ensure transparency and base public debate on data and objective facts.

Press kit (in Italian)