Population and demographic structure

The population of Vedra registered a continuous loss of inhabitants in the period from 1991 to 2022, showing a decrease of 0.91%, from 5,051 inhabitants in 1991 to 5,005 inhabitants in 2022.

From 2012 to 2022 there was a population decline of -0.75%, with a relative slowdown in the rate of population loss, with years of population decline alternating with years of some recovery. The age group of people under 64 years of age decreased significantly, while the population over 64 years of age grew by 23%. The age group of people of working age had decreased by -9%, which translated into a loss of 300 people of working age. People over 64 years of age increased by almost 20% and the young population, under 16 years of age, also increased by 7%.

This demographic ageing, and the significant loss of the working-age population, was reflected in the narrowing of the base of the population pyramid and the increase in the average age. The average age of the inhabitants of Vedra in 2022 reached 48 years. Women had a higher average age than men, 51 years for women and about 47 for men.

The Total Dependency Ratio (TDR) in Vedra reached 64.10% in 2022, after a continuous increase since 2006. This significant increase was very similar to that recorded in the province and in Galicia as a whole, which confirmed the demographic decline and ageing of the population in the municipality, with important social, economic, and cultural consequences.

Economy

The evolution of Gross Disposable Product (GDP) followed the same growth trend as that of all Galician municipalities and the province of A Coruña. After an initial decline between 2010 and 2012, it continued to increase until 2020, where it decreased by -9.4% in the municipality, registering a greater impact than that suffered in Galicia (-7.7%) and A Coruña (-10.5%). This was the province with the greatest decrease in Galicia.

The Gross Disposable Income (GDI) showed the same growth trend as the whole of Galicia and the province, but higher with 23.81%, compared to 13% and 15% recorded in Galicia and A Coruña in the period between 2002 and 2019. The growth made it possible to reduce the gap between average household incomes in Galicia, A Coruña and Vedra, reaching 15,890 euros per inhabitant in this locality in 2019.

In 2020, Vedra presented an increase in income of 2.81%, showing great resistance to the economic crisis, to reach an income of 16,340 euros.

Using the register of social security affiliations as an estimate of municipal employment, between 2011 and 2022, Vedra experienced an increase of 8.81%. When analysed by sector, the primary sector decreased by -23.6%. The secondary sector recorded a slight increase of 1.1%. The tertiary sector increased by between 14 and 17%.

In 2022, Vedra had an activity rate of 72%. The unemployment rate drops from 15.5% in 2011 to 6.6% in 2022. This reduction is not only due to an increase in the number of employed people, but also to an increase in the inactive population.

Energy resources

Vedra has two photovoltaic electricity production facilities in operation, with a total installed power of 34.8 kW, distributed as follows: 15 and 19,8 kW. The second largest installation, mentioned in second place, was registered in February 2007, while the first one, with the smallest installed power, was registered in September 2008. Nevertheless, diversification of renewable energy sources is essential to strengthen the energy resilience of the municipality and maximise its economic potential. The expansion of other forms of renewable energy, such as solar, hydroelectric or biomass, would not only help to reduce dependence on a single source, but could also generate new economic and employment opportunities in the area.

The electricity consumption of Vedra in 2023 was 9,891.11 MWh. Residential consumption was 6,635.79 MWh. The consumption of services, including municipal services, was 2,649.96 MWh. Industry consumed 605.36 MWh.