Population size change in rural areas of west Pomeranian voivodeship in 2011–2014

The aim of this study is to discuss changes in the population and indicate the main reasons of these changes in rural areas of West Pomeranian voivodeship. The study was conducted on the local level and based on Central Statistical Office data from the years 2010 to 2014. In the first part of the research, main demographic information is discussed. It includes population density, natural increase per 1000 population and net migration per 1000 population in rural areas of West Pomeranian voivodeship. In the next part of the research, the average population growth rate was counted in the years 2011–2014. Based on these changes, researched units were divided into four groups – two groups with positive changes and two groups with negative changes. Subsequently, the main reasons of the changes in population size were analyzed in particular groups including natural increase, migration, population structure by age, level of unemployment and entrepreneurship. All indicators were designated as averages from 2011 to 2014. According to the results in most of the research units, the net migration determined the population size. The net migration was characterized by higher absolute values than natural increase. The population size changes are related to density. The lowest density areas are more depopulated. Moreover, the population size changes are positive related to the level of entrepreneurship and negative related to the level of unemployment.