Kempele

The population of Kempele is 19,702 (31 December 2025) and the municipality covers an area of 110.32 square kilometres (42.59 sq mi) (excluding sea), of which 0.21 square kilometres (0.081 sq mi) is inland waters (2018-01-01). The population density is 179 inhabitants per square kilometre (460/sq mi) (31 December 2025). The municipality of Kempele was founded in 1867. Kempele is the birthplace of former NHL goaltender Pekka Rinne. The neighbouring municipalities are Liminka, Oulu and Tyrnävä. Kempele was first permanently settled about 500 years ago, at a time when the coastline was closer than it is today. Kempele was considered part of Greater Liminka and consisted of only three houses in 1568, when it was called Kempele for the first time in official records. In 1774 full church privileges were granted to Kempele, which meant separation from Liminka and establishment as an autonomous parish.