TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Continuing its pattern of decline, Taipei City’s population dropped below the 2.5 million mark in September.
While the population briefly rebounded to over 2.5 million last year, young and middle-aged adults have led an exodus from the city, per Liberty Times. A city councilor warned that if this trend persists, Taipei may only see commuters during the day while becoming deserted at night.
According to statistics from the Taipei Department of Civil Affairs, the city’s population reached 2,501,988 in May last year and peaked at 2,511,886 in December. However, this year, it began to decline again, falling to 2,498,210 in September and further to 2,493,210 by November.
The majority of those who left the city last year were adults aged 30 to 50. The following categories showed a net population loss, according to the department:
- 20–30 years old: 8,987
- 30–40 years old: 13,982
- 40–50 years old: 15,647
- 50–60 years old: 9,649
Department of Civil Affairs Commissioner Chen Yung-te (陳永德) acknowledged that Taipei’s population has been steadily decreasing this year, with monthly declines ranging from several hundred to 2,000–3,000 people. Chen attributed this to Taipei’s high cost of living and housing prices.
Chen said many residents are relocating to areas near mass transit systems, such as MRT and high-speed rail stations. About 80% of those leaving relocated to New Taipei City, while over 10% moved to Taoyuan due to the lower housing prices and convenient commute to Taipei, Chen added.
Taipei City Councilor Chen You-cheng (陳宥丞) of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) suggested the urban flight may be linked to residents being unable to afford housing in Taipei after marriage. Many have moved to suburban areas like Linkou and Taoyuan, he said, because of Taipei's high housing costs.
He also raised concerns about who will care for the elderly and maintain communities as people leave. Chen warned that Taipei could eventually become a city where people only come to work during the day, leaving it an “empty city” at night.
The Department of Civil Affairs said it will continue to explore solutions to attract residents to Taipei. Current initiatives include the Happy Housing (幸福住宅) project, policies to encourage or assist renters in establishing residency, research on youth housing programs, and measures to address housing difficulties faced by the elderly.
