By Jeannette Bylov, AAU Communication and Public Affairs

Young individuals do not necessarily prefer living in Copenhagen. Moreover, numerous families with children are relocating from major cities, driven not solely by high housing prices.

A recent study conducted by the Department of the Built Environment at Aalborg University (AAU) delves into Danes' settlement choices and relocation patterns, shedding light on new perspectives. The findings challenge the myth of a unidirectional flow of citizens moving en masse from rural areas to cities, suggesting that cities offer more culture, job opportunities, and better living conditions.

She adds that the study indicates relocations happening in all directions — from densely populated city areas to suburbs, other cities, or rural areas, and vice versa.

Researchers from AAU, with the support of Statistics Denmark, have investigated the factors driving Danes to move from one area and influencing their choice to stay. The results are detailed in the report 'Myths and Realities about Moving Motives, Housing, and Settlement Preferences.' The study also sheds light on the motives or reasons behind these decisions. 

Copenhagen has lost its momentum

Annually, around 900,000 Danes relocate within the country. The data suggests that the 2008 crisis triggered population decline, business closures, and unsellable homes in rural and outlying municipalities, while Copenhagen and Aarhus experienced substantial growth.

This trend reversed in 2012-2013, with the migration deficit in outlying and rural municipalities steadily decreasing. In 2020 and 2021, there was a notable migration surplus in intermediate municipalities and, to some extent, in rural areas. However, this was countered by a corresponding migration deficit in urban municipalities, especially noticeable in the Municipality of Copenhagen, which has seen a growing migration deficit since 2019.

- Above all, the study reveals that people have diverse settlement preferences, closely tied to life stages and fundamental values. Some prefer the vibrancy of city life, while others lean towards smaller towns or rural surroundings, explains senior researcher Helle Nørgaard.

Urbanization is an ever-evolving process. Copenhagen's population peaked in the 1960s and only began to rise again from the 1990s, coinciding with significant state investments. However, since 2019, the balance has shifted, resulting in a migration deficit in Copenhagen.

Population movements, settlement preferences, and reasons for moving are far from straightforward. According to the researchers, it is crucial to focus not only on the number of movers but also on their age, family, and employment circumstances, as these factors significantly impact development opportunities in both urban and rural areas.