Austria's Birth Rate Deepens Ageing Challenge

Austria's birth rate has fallen to one of the lowest levels in Europe, raising concerns over a rapidly ageing population and increasing pressure on the country's labor market, pension system and healthcare services.

Research by the Austrian Academy of Sciences found that the country's fertility rate has declined to 1.3 children per woman, well below the replacement level of around 2.1. At the same time, life expectancy continues to rise, increasing demand for long-term elderly care, healthcare and pension support.

Alexia Prskawetz, a population economics expert at the Austrian Academy of Sciences, said the decline to 1.3 children per woman in 2025 reflects a long-term demographic trend that began after the post-war baby boom. Austria's fertility rate stood at about 2.8 children per woman in 1961.

Prskawetz said immigration remains an important part of addressing the country's demographic challenges, alongside other policy measures, noting that Austria faces labor shortages in key sectors including nursing, healthcare and tourism.

She also called for broader programs to improve migrant integration and make better use of their untapped potential in the labor market.