What is the demographic situation of young people in Ticino according to Ustat?

Although Ticino loses its young people to other cantons, the population is not ageing thanks to immigration. The analysis of the Cantonal Statistical Office (USTAT) shows that more than twenty-five and thirty-five of those who leave arrive, offsetting the overall migratory balance and entering the local labour market.

How many people lose Ticino every year to other Swiss cantons?

Between 2015 and 2024, the inter-cantonal balance was negative, registering an average loss of 495 people per year to other Swiss cantons. A significant part of this mobility has as its final destination the city of Zurich, attractive for professional and training opportunities.

What is the return rate for Ticino students studying Oltregottardo?

Those who complete their training within the Canton continue to work in Ticino in nine out of ten cases after five years. On the contrary, those who travel north of the Alps to complete their studies return to their home canton only in fifty-five percent of cases.

Young people in Ticino: demographic analysis and USTAT flows (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 12 September 2026

Young people in Ticino and migration flows according to Ustat data

USTAT demographic analysis on young people in Ticino: negative intercantonal balance towards other cantons but offset by new arrivals from abroad.

Context

In brief

Ticino is not aging thanks to immigration
More 25-35 year-olds arrive than leave
The intercantonal balance towards other Cantons is negative
Those who study north of the Alps return in 55% of cases

Key facts

What: Demographic analysis on young people and migration
When: September 11, 2026
Where: Canton of Ticino
Who: Cantonal Office of Statistics (USTAT)
Age: 25-35 year-olds
Annual average: 495 people lost to other Cantons
Source: USTAT analysis and interview with Francesco Giudici

Despite Ticino losing its young people, the population is not aging thanks to the fundamental contribution of immigration. This is revealed by data from a recent analysis conducted by the Cantonal Office of Statistics (USTAT) and explored in an interview with Francesco Giudici, head of the USTAT Society Sector. The survey focuses on the 25 to 35 age group, outlining a complex but not unexpected picture for the cantonal territory.

Migration dynamics and balances

Going into the detail of the numbers published by the Cantonal Office of Statistics, the overall migration balance for young people is positive. In other words, more 25 and 35-year-olds arrive than leave the cantonal territory. However, analyzing the direction of the flows, a critical issue emerges in movements within the Confederation. Between 2015 and 2024, the intercantonal balance proved negative, recording an average loss of 495 people per year heading towards other Swiss cantons. A significant part of this internal mobility has the city of Zurich as its final destination, attractive for professional and educational opportunities.

…

Operational details

The demographic dynamics analysed by the Cantonal Statistical Office (USTAT) offer important insights for the economic and social future of Ticino, especially when compared with forecasts on population ageing. Historically considered a Canton with a strong elderly component, Ticino faces structural challenges related to workforce management and territorial competitiveness. The Federal Statistical Office (FSO/SBB) predicts that, with the progressive retirement of baby boomers, competition to attract young workers between Switzerland and the European Union will intensify pressure on local markets.

The demographic challenge in Lombardy and Italy

A crucial aspect highlighted by the analysis concerns the fact that demographic ageing does not represent an exclusively Ticino peculiarity. Similar dynamics are also recorded in the neighbouring regions, starting from Lombardy and the Italian territory. This means that in the future even the territories of origin of migratory flows could be activated to retain the young local generations, potentially reducing the availability of a skilled workforce ready to move or work in the Confederation. Competition for young talent will therefore become a determining factor for cantonal businesses and administrations.

The training and re-entry factor

A central chapter of the investigation concerns the

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Key points

The structure of youth migration flows and the tendency of graduates to settle permanently north of the Alps do not constitute a cyclical event linked to individual favorable years, but rather a structural and constant trend over time. According to USTAT assessments, this trend is destined to continue stably, barring major international events capable of altering macroeconomic and social balances. For residents and those planning their professional future in the Canton, understanding these trends makes it possible to better direct work, training, and housing choices in a rapidly evolving context.

New ways of working and mobility

Despite the difficulty in reclaiming young people who choose to settle in Zurich or other Swiss centers after their studies, the current economic landscape offers new tools for flexibility. Since the AlpTransit infrastructure became operational, rail connections through the base tunnel have made travel and returns from German-speaking Swiss centers much faster on weekends. Added to this is the structural spread of smart working, accelerated by the pandemic period, which could in the future encourage a more stable bond between professionals and the Ticino territory, even for those who choose to reside or spend extended periods elsewhere.

Planning your professional future

To explore economic opportunities, evaluate your salary position based on market data, or calculate the tax impact of your professional choices in the Canton, you can use the dedicated online tools available. Calculate your economic prospects now with the salary calculator.

Source: tio.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the demographic situation of young people in Ticino according to Ustat?: Although Ticino loses its young people to other cantons, the population is not ageing thanks to immigration. The analysis of the Cantonal Statistical Office (USTAT) shows that more than twenty-five and thirty-five of those who leave arrive, offsetting the overall migratory balance and entering the local labour market.
How many people lose Ticino every year to other Swiss cantons?: Between 2015 and 2024, the inter-cantonal balance was negative, registering an average loss of 495 people per year to other Swiss cantons. A significant part of this mobility has as its final destination the city of Zurich, attractive for professional and training opportunities.
What is the return rate for Ticino students studying Oltregottardo?: Those who complete their training within the Canton continue to work in Ticino in nine out of ten cases after five years. On the contrary, those who travel north of the Alps to complete their studies return to their home canton only in fifty-five percent of cases.