The town experienced increased growth when the Boden Fortress was constructed in the beginning of the 20th century.

The purpose of the fortress was to defend Sweden from a possible attack from the east, where Russia was considered the most dangerous threat.

Today (2007) Boden is still a military stronghold, and houses the largest garrison of the Swedish Army.

As the military is continuously disarming, with the five regiments united into one garrison, the population has decreased by 2,000 people over the past ten years.

In 2022, the Swedish Company Stegra began construction of a new steel mill in Boden, expected to start production in mid 2026.