Mayor Marijo Ćaćić highlights that unemployment is at its lowest level in 30 years, with new investments and housing projects expected to attract more young families.
After years of significant emigration, Knin is now recording positive demographic and economic developments. The town, which today has just over 11,000 residents, according to data published by HRT on August 5, 2026, saw a 30 percent increase in the number of first-graders last year, as well as a 30 percent rise in children enrolled in kindergarten. At the same time, more than 400 businesses have been registered, and the number of unemployed has dropped to its lowest level in three decades.
Among those who chose to trade life in the capital for Knin are Mihovil Budanko and Dora Mlinarić. They moved from Zagreb during the pandemic, and six years later, they consider it one of the best decisions of their lives. Budanko, who now runs his own tourism agency and co-founded an athletics club, recalled how it all began.
"Upon arriving here, I applied for a job. They were looking for a tourism agency manager, which is my field. I got the job, and within minutes, we decided we would try living in Knin," Budanko told HRT.
He also shared why he loves his hometown.
"Knin is my hometown, which I truly love-a place where life is pleasant, surrounded by beautiful nature and good people. That's what Knin means to me," he said.
Dora Mlinarić, meanwhile, has started her own business and opened a fitness center. "I have my own business for sports activities, and I run a fitness center where women train in group and individual sessions," she stated.
Lucija Šćur also moved to Knin from Pula, drawn by a job offer and a municipal apartment designated for professions in short supply. For her, the move brought a significant improvement in quality of life.
"It's nice and peaceful; the pace of life is much easier, there's less stress, and you get more done. I'm really satisfied," she emphasized.
Among the young people who see their future in Knin is civil engineering student Dora Jurčević. "Personally, I have everything I need. I have a place to work as a student, and I have places to have fun and go out," she said.
Mayor Marijo Ćaćić confirmed to HRT that the latest indicators are cause for optimism. In addition to the increase in first-graders and businesses, he highlighted concrete economic progress.
"On one hand, many jobs have been created. We had a major investment of 15 million euros, and recently a center opened where around a hundred people found employment. On the other hand, we no longer have available spaces in the business zone," said Ćaćić.
To maintain the positive trend, the town plans to develop new business zones. In cooperation with the relevant ministry, there are also plans to build 11 family homes and a building with 84 apartments. In Knin, they believe that the combination of new jobs and solving the housing issue will encourage even more young people to stay or move there.
