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Málaga's population has grown twice as fast as the rest of Spain
The Costa del Sol province is expected to top two million residents by 2035
Málaga has become one of Spain's fastest-growing provinces, adding more than 550,000 residents since the start of the century and increasing its population at more than double the national rate.
New figures released by Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE) show the province's population reached 1.81 million in April 2026, up by 550,132 people since 2000. That's an increase of 43.5%, compared with 22.8% across Spain as a whole over the same period.
The Costa del Sol province has recorded the fifth-largest population increase in Spain in terms of numbers, behind Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante and Valencia.
Despite this rapid growth, Málaga remains Spain's sixth most populous province, sitting just behind Seville. However, the gap between the two has narrowed dramatically over the past 26 years.
Back in 2000, Seville had around 445,000 more residents than Málaga. Today, that difference has fallen to around 187,000, and current projections suggest Málaga will pass the two million mark by 2035 before overtaking Seville in population around 2037.
The figures also highlight Málaga's importance within Andalucía, with the province accounting for around one in every three new residents added across the region since 2000.
When population growth is measured as a percentage rather than by total numbers, Málaga ranks eighth in Spain. Guadalajara has recorded the fastest growth, followed by the Balearic Islands, Girona, Almería, Tarragona, Alicante and Toledo.
The latest figures reflect the continued appeal of Málaga for both Spanish and international residents, thanks to its growing economy, expanding job market, excellent transport links and year-round lifestyle, all of which continue to attract people from across Spain and abroad.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Malaga
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