Southern Europe

Population of Madrid (Spain)

12/04/2025
Population Information

Population of Madrid (Capital City of Spanish) is about 7 million people in 2025. It is the 59th most populous city in the world.

Total population

The total population of the Madrid metropolitan area in 2025 is estimated at approx. 7,0 million people, according to World Population Review and UN World Urbanization Prospects (2024 Revision).

In 2024, Madrid's population is estimated to be 6,98 million (Statista, INE), up from 6,9 million in 2023. The metropolitan area covers an area of ​​approximately 5.335 km² (World Population Review), with population density average about 1.310 people/km².

From 2020 (6,7 million) to 2025, the population will increase by about 300.000 people, with an average growth rate of 0,4-0,6% per year, mainly due to international immigration (especially from Romania, Morocco, Venezuela). However, the growth rate has decreased compared to the period 1990-2010 due to the low fertility rate (1,1-1,2 children/woman in 2023, INE) and the trend of migration to the suburbs such as Alcalá de Henares, Móstoles.

Gender structure

Data from INE (2024) for the Community of Madrid:

  • Male: 48,8% (about 3,40 million people out of a total of 6,98 million in 2024).
  • Female: 51,2% (about 3,58 million people).

The sex ratio is 95 males/100 females, lower than the national average (96 males/100 females), due to women having a longer life expectancy (84,4 years compared to 78,2 years for men, Worldometer 2024). Assuming this ratio remains stable until 2025, with a total population of 7,0 million, males will account for approximately 3,42 million and females 3,58 million. This difference is more pronounced in the over-65 age group, reflecting the trend of urban population aging.

Age structure

Age structure of Madrid in 2024, according to INE (Statista):

  • Under 15 years old: 14,5% (about 1,01 million people).
  • From 15-64 years old: 65,5% (about 4,57 million people).
  • Over 65 years old: 20,0% (about 1,40 million people).

Compared to the national average (15,0% under 15, 18,5% over 65), Madrid has an older population due to low birth rates and reduced immigration of young workers. Estimated 2025:

  • Under 15 years old: 14,0% (~0,98 million people).
  • 15-64 years old: 65,0% (~4,55 million people).
  • Over 65 years old: 21,0% (~1,47 million people).

The median age of the Madrid metropolitan area is estimated at 43-44 years, lower than the national average (45,9 years, Worldometer 2025), thanks to international immigration. However, the proportion of people over 65 is increasing rapidly, putting pressure on the health and pension systems.

Population of Madrid (Spain)
Madrid City (Spain)

Population change

Historical data from UN Data and World Population Review:

  • 1950: 1,70 million people.
  • 1980: 4,65 million people.
  • 2000: 5,14 million people.
  • 2010: 6,47 million people.
  • 2020: 6,70 million people.
  • 2025: 7,0 million people (estimated).

From 1990 to 2010, Madrid's population grew rapidly (an average of 2-3% per year), thanks to immigration from Latin America, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, along with its role as an economic center (Madrid contributes 65,9% of the GDP of the Community of Madrid). From 2010 to 2020, the growth rate decreased to 0,5-1%, and from 2020 to 2025 it was 0,4-0,6%, due to:

  • Low birth rate (1,1-1,2 children/woman).
  • Positive net migration due to international immigration (145.000 Romanians, 77.000 Moroccans in 2022).
  • Internal migration to satellite cities such as Getafe and Leganés reduces pressure on the centre.

Forecast

Madrid population forecast based on national and regional trends:

  • Short term (until 2035): The population could reach 7,2-7,5 million, with a growth rate of 0,3-0,5% per year, thanks to international immigration (16% of Madrid's population were foreigners in 2020) and its role as a financial and cultural center (17 universities, average GDP of 38.435 EUR in 2022). Growth is limited by low birth rates and high housing costs (Statista).
  • Long term (until 2050): The population could stabilize or decline to 6,8–7,0 million, due to a decline in fertility (expected to be below 1,1 children per woman), an aging population (25–30% over 65), and slightly negative net migration. This is consistent with the projection that Spain’s population will peak at 49,9 million in 2050 and then decline (Statista).

The Madrid government is pushing projects such as the expansion of the Madrid Metro and affordable housing to manage the population, but the challenges of aging, economic inequality, and climate change (rising average temperatures) remain severe.

Sources:

Spain Population 2024

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