According to the latest figures, the population of the Axarquia has increased by 33% during the past decade and there has been a signifivant increase in the number of foreign residents. The population density of the Axarquia is now 186.5 inhabitants per square kilometre, compared to 204 per square kilometre in Málaga province as a whole.
The major growth areas, both for population and tourism, have been Nerja, Frigiliana, Cómpeta, Vélez-Málaga and Torrox.