The number of Social Security affiliates in Catalonia increased by 145,605 people in September 2026 compared to the same month of the previous year, reaching a 4.0% increase and standing at 3,811,275 individuals. This growth was reflected across all comarques and Aran, with notable year-on-year variations in Baix Penedès (5.3%), Aran (5.2%), Alt Empordà (5.1%), and Alt Urgell (4.8%).
Regarding Catalan municipalities, the number of affiliates increased or remained stable in 87% of municipalities (824 municipalities) in September compared to the previous year. It is noteworthy that all municipalities with over 50,000 inhabitants experienced an increase in affiliates. The most significant relative increases were observed in l'Hospitalet de Llobregat (7.4%), Santa Coloma de Gramenet (6.7%), Manresa (5.4%), Tarragona (5.2%), Granollers (5.0%), and Vic (4.9%).
In comparison to August, the number of affiliates grew by 38,350 people (1.0%) across Catalonia, with notable increases in Vallès Occidental (2.5%) and Barcelonès (2.2%). However, Solsonès maintained its figures, while 19 comarques and Aran registered decreases, particularly in Aran (-8.5%), Alta Ribagorça (-6.4%), and Baix Empordà (-5.6%).
Regarding the gender distribution, between September 2025 and 2026, the number of female affiliates grew by 59,470 (3.4%) and male affiliates by 86,135 (4.4%). Women saw increases in all comarques except Priorat, with high rates in Alta Ribagorça (5.2%), Baix Penedès (5.1%), and Alt Urgell (5.0%). Men experienced increases across the board, with peaks in Aran (6.2%) and Alt Empordà (5.7%).
The analysis by age groups reveals a generalized increase. The under-30 group grew by 8.3% in Catalonia and in all comarques, with increases exceeding 10% in Aran (13.9%), Montsià (11.9%), Baix Penedès (11.4%), Urgell (11.3%), and Pallars Sobirà (11.2%). The 30-44 age group rose by 3.3%, and the 45-54 group by 1.3%. The 55 and over group grew by 5.1%.
Foreign nationality experienced a 17.7% growth across Catalonia, with increases exceeding 28% in comarques such as Berguedà (29.3%), Ribera d’Ebre (28.9%), Aran, and Alt Urgell (28.8%). In contrast, Spanish nationals saw a 0.9% increase.
By economic activity sectors, all registered increases. The services sector led the growth with 125,300 more affiliates (4.1%), followed by industry (1.9%), construction (3.9%), and agriculture (4.3%). Industry saw notable relative increases in Alta Ribagorça (8.0%) and Segrià (7.7%). Construction grew by 3.9% in Catalonia, with significant rises in Ribera d’Ebre (11.9%).
Regarding employee affiliations, 19.0% were part-time, with a higher proportion among women (25.6%) than men (12.7%). The comarques with the highest part-time employment were Barcelonès (22.1%) and Cerdanya and Alt Urgell (21.6%). The temporality rate stood at 10.0%, with higher rates in Ribera d’Ebre (14.0%) and Pallars Jussà (13.5%).
In municipalities with over 50,000 inhabitants, year-on-year increases were widespread. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (7.4%) and Santa Coloma de Gramenet (6.7%) led the relative increases. Part-time work was higher in l'Hospitalet de Llobregat (26.6%) and Santa Coloma de Gramenet (24.4%), while temporality was higher in Tarragona and Girona (12.5%).
