Do we really know Parisians? With the latest data published by INSEE, we know a little more about the capital’s inhabitants. Level of education, origins… Discover the Parisian population in detail!
Parisian population under the microscope and in figures
In its latest reports, the Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques provides us with lots of interesting data on Paris and its population. It looks at the geographical origins of its 2,146,000 inhabitants, the breakdown by age group, income, housing and population distribution by arrondissement. These detailed studies , packed with figures, provide a map of the capital’s inhabitants! So who are they really?
How many real Parisians are there in Paris?
To begin with, INSEE shatters the myth of the true Parisian, born in Paris, who is said to be rare to come across in the capital, if not downright extinct! In “Où les Parisiens sont-ils nés?” (published in February 2025), the institute reveals that this profile still exists, and that 30% of Parisians were born in the capital… We can also add that the “pure” Parigots are young, with 58% of them under the age of 30!
Surprising as it may seem, it’s been many years since any research has been carried out into the origins of Parisians!
But what about the rest of the population? 29% come from other regions of France, and 25% from abroad. Among the most represented regions are Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Grand Est!
Other data on housing, level of education
In another study (Évolution et structure de la population, also published in February), INSEE also tells us that 33% of inhabitants own their main residence, and that only 1 in 3 households owns a car.
The level of education of the population is also deciphered. Executives and professionals make up the largest proportion of the working population at 45%, while white-collar workers represent 17% and blue-collar workers only 6.5%.
Last but not least, the figures for the arrondissements and their populations! The 1st arrondissement is the least populous, with 15,919 inhabitants, while the 15th is the most populous, with 189,805 residents!
Find out more about INSEE studies on Paris