Venice isn’t just the postcard image that the everyone in the world has seen.
Instead, it’s a real city with families, shops and daily life. But the number of people who actually live in Venice has been shrinking for decades.
Understanding how many people live in Venice today helps travellers grasp how overtourism shapes daily life, why the atmosphere feels the way it does, and why responsible travel choices matter more here than almost anywhere else.
This cultural guide covers the latest population numbers, exactly why Venice has lost so many residents, how tourism contributes to the imbalance, and what you can do as a traveller to help support the city during your visit.
How many people live in Venice?
If you’re new around here, my name is Maddy and I’m from Castelfranco. I offer trip consultations and AMA calls where you can ask me your questions about Venice.
Let’s now start this guide by looking at Venice’s population today…
1. Venice’s population today
How many people live in Venice in 2025?
As of 2025, the municipality of Venice has around 249,466 residents. But only a small part of that population lives in the most famous area.
The historic centre (the island city) has just about 48,000 residents, with some counts placing it at 47,995 people. This is a tiny population for one of the most visited places in the world.
A steep historic decline
In the 1950s, the historic centre had around 175,000 residents. Falling from 175,000 to under 50,000 represents one of the most dramatic population declines in Europe, a slow but ongoing exodus.
For context on where people live today and where most tourists decide to book accommodation in Venice, see: Neighbourhoods to Stay in Venice.
2. What’s driving depopulation
Venice’s population decline is tied to several overlapping pressures.
Housing has become unaffordable
One of the biggest factors is the rise of short-term rentals, which reduce housing availability for locals. As a result, rents and property prices have soared, leaving many residents unable to remain in the city.
Local services are disappearing
As the population shrinks, traditional shops, groceries, bakeries, and community services close down. This makes everyday life increasingly inconvenient for those who stay.
Mainland life is easier
Many Venetians now choose to live on the mainland or quieter islands, where housing is cheaper and services are better, commuting to the historic centre only when needed.
For more on these pressures, you can check out my guide on the overtourism impacts in Venice that offers some of my personal insights on the topic.
3. Tourists vs Venetians: the divide
Millions of visitors vs tens of thousands of locals
Venice receives tens of millions of visitors every year, while the historic centre has fewer than 50,000 residents. On many days, tourists outnumber locals by a huge margin.
Strain on infrastructure
This imbalance creates pressure on:
- Public transport (vaporetto lines)
- Waste management
- Public spaces and narrow streets
- Lagoon health and the environment
It contributes to the feeling that Venice is becoming an attraction first, a city second. Learn more about my favourite non-touristy things to do in Venice to help reduce pressure in the main touristy spots.
4. Respect the delicate balance
With so few residents, Venice’s liveability is fragile.
Here’s what you can do as visitor to have a smaller impact to the city:
Travel with awareness
Before you leave, learn about Venice’s history, culture and artistic heritage. While you are here, remember that you’re sharing the city with a population smaller than a small town.
Simple habits: being mindful of noise, not blocking narrow bridges and keeping the right, respecting residential areas. A few simple behaviours that can make a difference.
Spread out your visit
Explore quieter neighbourhoods and lesser-visited islands to relieve pressure from overcrowded areas. And if you can, stay a little longer.
One or two days simply aren’t enough to appreciate Venice beyond the usual sights: taking your time here is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the city.
Support the local community
Choose family-run B&Bs, local osterie, artisan shops and neighbourhood groceries over chains or heavily touristic businesses. Avoid accommodation options that contribute to the housing shortage.
For those who want to go deeper than the usual tourist trail and understand Venice through local eyes, start here: Venice Local Experience.
5. Venice is more than a theme park
A city losing its community
Many Venetians feel the city is losing its identity. With such a small population left, Venice risks becoming a place shaped almost entirely by tourism rather than by the people who live here.
Efforts to protect resident life
The city has introduced:
- Day-trip regulations with the introduction of the Venice entry fee
- Discussions on limiting short-term rentals
- Awareness campaigns such as #EnjoyRespectVenezia launched by the City of Venice in 2017
- Policies to reduce pressure on crowded areas like limiting the guided groups size to 25 people
Understanding these measures helps travellers appreciate how delicate Venice’s social balance has become.
6. Travel more responsibly
Choose slower travel
Staying overnight rather than day-tripping helps distribute visitor numbers and supports the local economy.
Visit at quieter times and places
Avoid peak corridors when possible and explore side canals, local squares and lagoon islands. Take a look at my Venice slow travel itinerary for more ideas.
Be intentional
Remember that Venice is a home, not only a destination. Travel choices made with care contribute directly to the city’s long-term wellbeing.
Are you visiting Venice soon? Then start with my guide to plan your Venice visit.
Venice’s decline: key takeaways
Venice’s population has dropped from around 175,000 to under 50,000 in the historic centre, a sharp decline that continues today.
This tiny community is heavily outweighed by the millions of visitors who arrive each year, shaping Venice’s present and its future. But travellers can play a positive role.
By choosing to move thoughtfully, support local life and understand the pressures the city faces, visitors help keep Venice a living city rather than a stage set.
When you come here, think not only about what you gain, but also what you leave behind. You can read more on my sustainable Venice series to learn more.
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