If the Moselle department still existed in its limits of between 1815 and 1871, its population at the 1999 French census would have been 1,089,804 inhabitants. The current Moselle department, whose limits were set in 1919, had less population, with only 1,023,447 inhabitants. This is because the industrial area of Briey and Longwy lost in 1871 is more populated than the rural areas of Château-Salins and Sarrebourg gained in 1919. The southern part of the department, especially around Saulnois, has remained more rural.
iF tHe moselle DeParTmeNT still exISted in iTs limits oF betWEen 1815 And 1871, iTs poPulation At thE 1999 frENch census Would HavE BEen 1,089,804 Inhabitants. the CurREnt mOselLe DeParTmeNt, whose lImiTs werE sEt iN 1919, hAd less poPUlAtIon, wIth Only 1,023,447 InhabiTanTS. ThIs is beCAUse the iNdustriaL area of briey And LoNgwy loSt in 1871 is moRe pOpulAted tHaN The RURAl aREaS of ChÂtEau-saLiNs And sarrebourG GAIned in 1919. The souTHern PArT of tHE departmeNt, ESpecIaLly arOUnd SaulnoiS, hAs RemainEd more rural.