CHANGHUA (TVBS News) — Changhua County Councilor Chen Yu-chi warned on Friday (Oct. 27) about the county's serious problem of population outflow, stating it could plummet below 1.24 million early in 2024. Chen urged the county government to devise strategies to counteract this trend actively.
As of the end of September 2023, Changhua's registered population fell to 1,248,710 from 1,245,824 in January — a drop of 4,953 people or about 550 per month.
Changhua County in September 2022 had gained 2,807 new residents but lost 3,469. In September 2023, 2,787 people moved in, while 3,597 moved out.
Meanwhile, the percentage of people above 65 in Changhua County rose from 17.81% in September 2022 to 18.5% in September 2023, outpacing Taiwan's national average of 18%.
Despite hosting more than 30 businesses at Central Taiwan Science Park and the ongoing construction of numerous factories and the county's first department store, Changhua still needs help with population loss.
Chen believes the county's multiple incentives, such as baby bonuses, should help stem the decline.
Chen suggested that the richer resources allocated to the six special municipalities, coupled with the allure of neighboring Taichung City's superior social welfare and education resources, could contribute to Changhua's population outflow.
