With mountain areas confronted by demographic decline and depopulation, understanding population and mobility patterns can support thriving mountain communities and help make the right to stay a reality. A recent intermediate report, updating demographic data for the Italian and Austrian Alps for the 2013-2023 period, highlights significant shifts in population and mobility patterns in the Alps and provides additional knowledge of ongoing demographic challenges.

Conducted with data from the Italian statistical agency ISTAT in collaboration with the University of Torino and the Alpine Convention, the study shows that the population of the Italian Alps declined modestly from 4,364,538 to 4,311,827 inhabitants, representing a decrease of 1.2% over the decade.

A standout trend is the accelerated ageing of the Alpine population. The proportion of individuals aged 65 years or more increased markedly from 22% to over 25%. The study also highlights a decline in the working-age population in the Alpine area over the decade compared to the national trend, while the ratio of those over 64 to those under 15 rose substantially.

Residential mobility patterns show that Italian Alpine municipalities are becoming increasingly attractive to residents from outside the Alpine arc, with over 70% of municipalities recording a positive internal migration rate with non-Alpine areas in 2023. However, this is largely offset by out-migration and a growing trend of young people (aged 25–34) moving to neighbouring countries.

Overall, most municipalities in the Italian Alpine area show population loss or stagnation, with growth rates of the resident population equal to zero or negative. The study also covers intra-Alpine mobility, suggesting that small, low-altitude urban centres are becoming more attractive due to factors such as quality of life, accessibility, and new housing models.

The study provides further confirmation of the fragility of the Alpine region to climate change. There are major differences between highlands and lowlands regarding changing rainfall patterns and winter temperatures in recent decades. The Aosta Valley in Italy is a notable example, with the data showing extreme precipitations have increased, frost days have decreased, and winter temperatures have risen. The changing climate is creating new risk factors and challenges for the local population.

In addition to research, innovative projects such as RURALPLAN have been instrumental in tackling demographic decline in mountain areas. Overall, addressing the demographic fragility of the Italian Alps, tackling generational renewal, mitigating climate risks, and improving accessibility and essential services make up a comprehensive approach, which will become increasingly important for Alpine communities and decision makers in the decades ahead.