Estepona’s real population could be as high as 120,000, says council

The population of Estepona could be nearly double the number stated in official statistics published in January 2016, according to a report released by the town hall.

Last years figures stated that 67,000 people were currently residing in the municipality, while the recent claim puts the figure closer to 120,000 residents.

This years official statistics, which declare the population of Estepona to be a little over 70,000 residents, are yet to be approved by the national statistics institute and therefore cannot be taken into account.

Specific indicators, including water usage, refuse collection and a housing census, are therefore being used as potential guides to the real number.

According to data gathered, the quantity of solid waste collected in 2016 would put the average population of Estepona at 112,146, rising in the month of August to nearly 145,000, largely due to tourism.

Over 41,000 metric tonnes of waste was collected in 2016, with a monthly average of just under 3,500, with peaks again in July and August of nearly 4,500 metric tonnes.

Water usage statistics published in April this year suggest that the average population of Estepona in 2015 was in fact bordering on 120,000, with it rising to 160,000 in the summer months.

Finally, the data recorded from the housing census dates back to 2011. Despite being old data, it suggests that the population at the time was just over 145,000, which has been estimated to have increased to 147,000 in the six-year period since.

The official population figures have a knock-on effect on the money that the town hall receives from the state to fund services.

A population of 67,000 would see Estepona receive just under 14.5 million euros, but that figure would jump to 26 million euros if the 120,000 figure is accurate.