More Belgians leave Brussels, but its population keeps rising
More than 75,000 Belgians moved to another region last year, the highest number in 13 years. The figures come from the Federal Public Service (FPS) Interior, requested by real estate federation CIB and reported by De Tijd and L’Echo on Friday. Most movers came from Brussels, with Flanders remaining the main destination.
The figures show that Brussels continues to lose residents. Last year, 36,970 people left the region, two-thirds of them for Flanders. Although a record number of people from Flanders (11,600) and Wallonia (9,014) settled in Brussels, it was not enough to offset the outflow.
According to VUB demographer Patrick Deboosere, this phenomenon is not new. “Housing prices play a major role,” he said. “The high pressure on Brussels schools and childcare facilities, with longer waiting lists, are also important reasons.”
Still, Brussels’ population continues to grow. Statbel figures show the region gained more than 6,200 inhabitants in 2024, mainly thanks to international migration. Brussels also remains the only Belgian region with more births than deaths.
"The high pressure on Brussels schools and childcare facilities, with longer waiting lists, are also important reasons"
The statistics show that Flanders is the most popular destination for those who decide to move. Nearly 33,400 people moved from Brussels and Wallonia to Flanders in 2024, while just under 20,000 left, resulting in a net inflow of around 14,000 people.
“The Brussels periphery and medium-sized cities such as Mechelen, Leuven and Aalst are particularly popular,” said CIB spokesperson Kristophe Thijs.
Wallonia also recorded growth, with a net inflow of more than 2,400 people, especially in border municipalities in Walloon Brabant and Namur.
© BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT
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