When you imagine Venice, you probably picture bustling piazzas, busy markets, and lively canals. But if you take a closer look, you’ll discover a city facing a quiet crisis: fewer and fewer people actually live here. The floating city that once held over 175,000 residents in its historic center now has fewer than 50,000. Yes, you read that right.
At Tour Leader Venice, we believe that understanding the real life behind the beauty is part of the travel experience. So let’s explore what’s really going on in Venice—and why this unique city is slowly losing its people.
🧍♂️ How Many People Live in Venice Today?
To be clear, there are different ways to count the population depending on which part of Venice you mean:
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Historic Center (the main islands): Fewer than 50,000 residents
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Lagoon islands (Murano, Burano, Lido, Giudecca, etc.): Around 27,000
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Mainland Venice (Mestre, Marghera, etc.): Approximately 175,000
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Entire Municipality of Venice (Comune di Venezia): Around 250,000 total
So while the broader Venice area still has a large population, the famous island city center—where St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and the canals are—is steadily emptying out.
📉 A City in Decline: Then vs. Now
Let’s put things in perspective:
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In the 1950s, the historic center had more than 175,000 residents.
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By the 1980s, that number had dropped to about 120,000.
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In the early 2000s, it fell below 70,000.
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In 2024, Venice’s island population is hovering around 49,000–50,000.
That’s a drop of over 70% in 70 years.
😢 Why Are Venetians Leaving?
1. Housing Costs and Airbnb
The rise of short-term rentals has driven up housing prices, especially in popular areas like San Marco and Cannaregio. Many buildings once filled with local families have been turned into vacation rentals. Long-term leases are rare and expensive, forcing residents—especially young people—to move to the mainland.
2. Overtourism
Venice sees up to 30 million tourists each year. On peak summer days, there may be 70,000+ visitors flooding the historic center—more than the number of residents. While tourism is vital for the economy, it also strains public services, raises prices, and transforms daily life into a constant performance for outsiders.
3. Living Logistics
Venice is beautiful—but also difficult. There are no cars, deliveries are made by handcarts, schools are closing, and even grocery shopping means crossing bridges or taking boats. For families, the logistics of daily life often become too complicated.
4. Climate Change and Flooding
Acqua alta (seasonal flooding) continues to damage homes and infrastructure. While the MOSE barrier system helps prevent major flooding, the long-term threat of rising sea levels remains. Many residents have already left due to water damage or simply fear of what’s coming.
🚨 What’s Being Done to Save Venice?
🔑 Affordable Housing Projects
The city has started renovating about 1,000 public apartments to offer at reduced rent to families and young professionals—some as low as €490 per month. These efforts are aimed at attracting teachers, nurses, and essential workers back to the city.
🧾 Tourist Entry Fee
Venice has recently introduced an entry fee for day-trippers during peak tourist days (especially in spring and summer). The goal is to reduce mass tourism and encourage more sustainable, respectful visits.
🚢 Cruise Ship Restrictions
Large cruise ships are no longer allowed to pass through the historic center, in order to protect the fragile ecosystem and city foundations.
🧑🎓 Support for Young Families
There are new incentives for residents under 35 to live and work in the lagoon city. Some programs offer tax breaks, housing support, and childcare services to make living in Venice more viable for young couples.
🧭 Venice Today: A City at a Crossroads
Walking through Venice today, you might not notice the population drop at first. The streets are full of people, especially near the Rialto Bridge or St. Mark’s Square. But step just a few minutes into Castello, Dorsoduro, or Cannaregio, and you’ll find quiet alleys, closed windows, and empty apartments.
Many shops now cater exclusively to tourists. Local bakeries and artisan stores are becoming rare. Markets are shrinking. Schools are closing due to lack of students. For many Venetians, this isn’t just a city—it’s their home. And they’re trying hard to keep it alive.
❤️ What Can You Do as a Visitor?
Tourists aren’t the enemy. In fact, thoughtful visitors can be part of the solution. Here’s how:
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Stay longer than a day – Venice wasn’t made for rushing through. Spend a few nights and get to know the real city.
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Support local businesses – Choose artisan shops, family-run restaurants, and local guides over big international chains.
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Join meaningful tours – Our tours at Tour Leader Venice explore hidden neighborhoods and tell the real stories of this extraordinary city.
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Learn before you go – Understand the challenges locals face and respect the rhythm of daily life.
📍 Discover the Human Side of Venice with Tour Leader Venice
At Tour Leader Venice, we don’t just show you the monuments—we introduce you to the living, breathing city. Our guides were born here. We walk where real Venetians live. And we share stories that go far beyond the postcards.
Want to understand Venice’s past, present, and future? Come walk with us.
🎟️ Book your private tour now
📩 Email us: info@tourleadervenice.com
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @tourleadervenice
