Offenbach's population surge reshapes the city's cultural and economic future
Offenbach's population has grown steadily over the past five years, reaching 145,669 in 2024. This increase comes mainly from residents with a migration background, as the number of locals without such roots has declined. The city's changing demographics reflect broader shifts in migration patterns and community needs.
Between 2019 and 2024, Offenbach's total population rose by nearly 6,000 people. In 2024 alone, the city saw a net gain of 644 residents, with newcomers averaging 32.8 years old. The share of people with a migration background now stands at 67.4%, far above Hesse's average of 38.7%.
The composition of the city's foreign population has also shifted. Romanians became the largest national group in 2024, with 6,740 residents. Ukrainians saw a particularly sharp rise, growing from 334 in 2021 to 1,669 by the end of 2024. Meanwhile, the number of residents without any migration background fell from 55,047 in 2012 to 47,490 in 2024.
Migration support services have remained in high demand, handling over 2,000 cases in both 2023 and 2024. Economic challenges persist, with non-Germans facing an unemployment rate of 12.2%—2.6 percentage points higher than the citywide average. The impact of migration is also visible in education, where 58.3% of children in daycare centres now come from households where German is not the primary language.
Data from 2021 showed that 68% of arrivals had a migration background, compared to 59.6% of those leaving the city. This trend suggests a growing proportion of residents with international roots.
Offenbach's population growth is driven largely by residents with migration backgrounds, reshaping the city's social and economic landscape. With rising numbers of Romanians and Ukrainians, along with sustained demand for migration services, the city continues to adapt to its evolving demographic makeup. The data highlights both opportunities and challenges as Offenbach's communities grow and change.
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