Venice’s historic centre now has fewer than 50,000 permanent residents, pushed away by soaring housing costs, loss of local jobs, and overwhelming tourism — raising fears the city is turning into a living museum.
Long Decline of Residents
Over the past seven decades, Venice’s historic centre has seen a dramatic drop in its population. From over 175,000 people in the 1950s, the number has gradually declined to under 50,000 today. Many Venetians have moved to the mainland or nearby regions, leaving the old city centre with fewer locals and more tourist-oriented businesses.
The Role of Tourism
Tourism is both a blessing and a burden for Venice. While it brings economic benefits, its volume — especially day-trippers who do not stay overnight — puts pressure on housing, public services, and infrastructure. Many apartments have been converted into short-term rentals, often making homes unaffordable to local people.
Economic and Housing Pressures
Affordable housing is increasingly scarce. With fewer permanent residents, local shops and services that cater to daily life are being replaced by souvenir stores, luxury boutiques, and businesses targeting tourists. Employment options beyond tourism are limited, pushing especially younger Venetians to seek work elsewhere.
Local Measures & Balancing Tourist Numbers
Officials are trying several strategies to address these problems: limiting the number of day visitors via entry fees on peak days, regulating short-term rentals, and encouraging longer stays rather than just quick visits. There are also efforts to spread tourist traffic more evenly across the lagoon islands and promote less-visited districts to lessen crowding.
