Kemi attracts more residents despite losing hundreds of jobs

Kemi recorded a net gain in migration from other Finnish municipalities for the first time in decades in 2025, Yle reported. Preliminary figures show the city gained a further 56 residents through domestic migration between January and September 2026.

The reversal comes despite the loss of more than 700 jobs in 2021 and 2022. Stora Enso closed its Veitsiluoto paper mill and sawmill in 2021, and Kemi’s population fell by about 1,000 people over the same period and the following year.

“It was a severe blow,” said Jukka Vilén, Kemi’s director of administration and development. He said the job losses happened quickly and Stora Enso encouraged families to move elsewhere.

Residents and newcomers point to affordable housing, the city’s appeal and its leisure opportunities. People have also moved to Kemi from elsewhere in Lapland, including from Rovaniemi, where finding affordable housing can be difficult, particularly in winter.

Kemi has also recorded net migration from abroad. From 2020 through September 2026, the city gained 1,042 residents through international migration.

Vilén said the city has gradually invested in making its parks and waterfront more attractive. Residents also praised facilities including the new Kemi Arena sports hall and the inner harbour area. He said there was no single explanation for Kemi’s growing appeal, but rather a combination of smaller factors.