Chengdu has experienced significant and consistent population growth over the last several decades, driven primarily by its thriving technology sector, job opportunities, and reputation for a high quality of life. As of 2024, Chengdu's resident population grew by 71,000 people compared to the previous year, reaching a total of approximately 21.4 million. This increase was particularly notable as Chengdu was the only one of China's four most populous cities—including Chongqing, Shanghai, and Beijing—to record a population gain that year. Longer-term data highlights this rapid expansion: the 2020 census recorded a population of 20.94 million, a massive increase from the 14.05 million reported in 2010. Projections suggest this upward trend will continue, with the metro area population estimated to reach 10.16 million by 2026, reflecting a steady annual growth rate of approximately 1.6% to 2.4% depending on the specific urban or administrative boundaries measured. This sustained growth is attributed to the city's "slow living" appeal and lower costs relative to other first-tier Chinese hubs, which continue to attract young talent and migrants from across the region.