Is life better on the other side of the border? New data on the number of Hungarians in Austria

Austria’s population continues to grow, with foreign nationals, including Hungarians, playing a significant role in this increase. According to the latest data from Statistik Austria, as of 1 January 2025, Austria’s population reached 9.2 million, while the number of Hungarian citizens living in the country exceeded 112,000.

Significant increase in Hungarian population

Over the past year, Austria’s population grew by 39,000 people, with Hungarian nationals contributing a remarkable 5% growth rate, ORF reports. This represents a tenfold increase compared to Austria’s overall population growth rate. The Hungarian community expanded by 5,100 individuals, bringing the total number of Hungarian citizens in Austria to 112,412 at the beginning of 2025.

Where do Hungarians live in Austria?

Hungarian citizens are unevenly distributed across Austria, with the highest concentration in Vienna. Nearly 30,000 Hungarians reside in the Austrian capital, making it the most popular destination. Burgenland, the neighbouring province to Hungary, has the highest proportion of Hungarian citizens relative to its total population, with 8,503 Hungarians recorded, accounting for almost 3% of the region’s inhabitants.

The number of Hungarian citizens has increased in all Austrian provinces. The most significant rise was seen in Styria, where the Hungarian community grew by 7%, surpassing 12,000 people.

Hungarians among Austria’s largest foreign communities

Austria’s foreign population is growing rapidly. Currently, one in five Austrian residents holds foreign citizenship, a figure that rises to one in three in Vienna. Hungarian citizens now make up slightly over 1% of Austria’s total population, ranking as the fifth-largest foreign community. The only larger groups are Germans, Romanians, Turks, and Serbs.

Hungarian identity in Austria

While statistics clearly show the rising number of Hungarian citizens in Austria, there is no precise data on the number of ethnic Hungarians with Austrian citizenship. The last official survey on ethnic groups was conducted in 2001, making it difficult to determine how many Austrian nationals identify as Hungarian today.

A growing trend

Hungary’s strong presence in Austria is expected to persist as more Hungarians seek opportunities across the border. With steady growth across all regions, Austria remains a popular destination for Hungarians looking for work, education, or a new home.

Read also:

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