City Profile: Aarhus
General Overview
• Country: Denmark
• Population of the city: 301190
• Area of the city measured in square kilometres (km²): 99.4
• Budget of the city in 2024 (GBP): 2 100 000 000 GBP
• Percentage of population of the country living in the city: 5.00%
• GDP PER PERSON: 66919
• REAL GDB - GROWTH: 3.6
• Percentage of all employed individuals in public administration: 29.90%
Education & Innovation
• The highest ranking position of university in global educational indexes: 101-150
• Percentage of citizens taking part in formal education - lifelong learning: 11.00%
• Percentage of population of the city with a master's degree: 20.00%
• Percentage of the population who knew at least one foreign language: 86.00%
• Percentage of population with digital skills: 91.00%
• Patent granted per 10,000 residents: 6.34
Governance & Transparency
• Voter turnout in the most recent supranational elections (%): 58.25%
• Voter turnout in the last local elections (%): 68.20%
• City have its own open data website, or does it regularly report and publish its data on the national open data platform managed by a government agency: yes
• Datasets containing information about the city and its residents which are available on the open data portal managed by the city or a government agency to which the city provides information: 122
• E-services: fault reporting system, electronic payments, on-line appointment scheduling: yes
• Existence of up-to-date and officially adopted development strategy: yes
• Number of valid and currently in-force sectoral (thematic) strategies: 3
Health & Well-being
• Percentage of population with medical insurance: 100.00%
• Number of doctors per 1,000 residents: 4.4
• Life Expectancy Rate (at birth): 81.3
• Obesity rate: 22.00%
• Average number of working hours: 37
• Percentage of the adult population receiving support and coordinated mental health care: 17.80%
• The number of suicide attempts per 1,000 residents: 1.22
Mobility & Transport
• Green Mobility Share (%): 53.00%
• Existence of electronic payment system for transportation services, such as payments by card at terminals or via a mobile app: yes
• Payment via the city's mobile application: yes
• Payment via a special payment card at a terminal in the public transport vehicle: yes
• Payment via a debit or credit card at a terminal in the public transport vehicle: yes
• Existence of intelligent traffic management system (ITS): yes
• Public transport network km per 100 resident: 0.04
• Number of traffic-related fatalities per 10000 residents: 0.03
• City provide data on public transportation (e.g., departure times, real-time location of public transport vehicles) through an open data portal managed by the city or a government entity: yes
• City provide on its website, mobile app, or through collaboration with other entities the ability to plan a journey using public transportation, known as a journey planner: yes
Environment & Sustainability
• Efficient use of electricity (per GDP): 0.08
• Average PM10 value in the city: 17
• Existence of biodiversity protection strategy in the city: yes
• Percentage of the population that is served by sewage treatment facilities: 95.00%
• Recycling rate: 56.00%
• Number of parks per square kilometre: 1.35
• Existence of any documents or municipal legal solutions promoting the use of renewable energy: yes
Economy & Business
• Number of businesses per 1,000 residents: 193.71
• Unemployment rate: 3.00%
• Number of foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents: 25.1
• Percentage deviation in earnings relative to the national average: 13.00%
General Overview
• Country: Denmark
• Population of the city: 301190
• Area of the city measured in square kilometres (km²): 99.4
• Budget of the city in 2024 (GBP): 2 100 000 000 GBP
• Percentage of population of the country living in the city: 5.00%
• GDP PER PERSON: 66919
• REAL GDB - GROWTH: 3.6
• Percentage of all employed individuals in public administration: 29.90%
Education & Innovation
• The highest ranking position of university in global educational indexes: 101-150
• Percentage of citizens taking part in formal education - lifelong learning: 11.00%
• Percentage of population of the city with a master's degree: 20.00%
• Percentage of the population who knew at least one foreign language: 86.00%
• Percentage of population with digital skills: 91.00%
• Patent granted per 10,000 residents: 6.34
Governance & Transparency
• Voter turnout in the most recent supranational elections (%): 58.25%
• Voter turnout in the last local elections (%): 68.20%
• City have its own open data website, or does it regularly report and publish its data on the national open data platform managed by a government agency: yes
• Datasets containing information about the city and its residents which are available on the open data portal managed by the city or a government agency to which the city provides information: 122
• E-services: fault reporting system, electronic payments, on-line appointment scheduling: yes
• Existence of up-to-date and officially adopted development strategy: yes
• Number of valid and currently in-force sectoral (thematic) strategies: 3
Health & Well-being
• Percentage of population with medical insurance: 100.00%
• Number of doctors per 1,000 residents: 4.4
• Life Expectancy Rate (at birth): 81.3
• Obesity rate: 22.00%
• Average number of working hours: 37
• Percentage of the adult population receiving support and coordinated mental health care: 17.80%
• The number of suicide attempts per 1,000 residents: 1.22
Mobility & Transport
• Green Mobility Share (%): 53.00%
• Existence of electronic payment system for transportation services, such as payments by card at terminals or via a mobile app: yes
• Payment via the city's mobile application: yes
• Payment via a special payment card at a terminal in the public transport vehicle: yes
• Payment via a debit or credit card at a terminal in the public transport vehicle: yes
• Existence of intelligent traffic management system (ITS): yes
• Public transport network km per 100 resident: 0.04
• Number of traffic-related fatalities per 10000 residents: 0.03
• City provide data on public transportation (e.g., departure times, real-time location of public transport vehicles) through an open data portal managed by the city or a government entity: yes
• City provide on its website, mobile app, or through collaboration with other entities the ability to plan a journey using public transportation, known as a journey planner: yes
Environment & Sustainability
• Efficient use of electricity (per GDP): 0.08
• Average PM10 value in the city: 17
• Existence of biodiversity protection strategy in the city: yes
• Percentage of the population that is served by sewage treatment facilities: 95.00%
• Recycling rate: 56.00%
• Number of parks per square kilometre: 1.35
• Existence of any documents or municipal legal solutions promoting the use of renewable energy: yes
Economy & Business
• Number of businesses per 1,000 residents: 193.71
• Unemployment rate: 3.00%
• Number of foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents: 25.1
• Percentage deviation in earnings relative to the national average: 13.00%
The 2025 Happy CITY INDEX was developed with contributions from over 150 researchers worldwide, ensuring reliable and comparable data. While we strive to address data gaps and limitations, all data used in our analysis comes from verified sources.
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Rank:
GOLD
Points:
968
Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, is a dynamic and forward-thinking urban center that seamlessly combines history, education, and innovation with a strong commitment to sustainability and governance. With a population of 301,190 spread across just 99.4 square kilometers, Aarhus is a compact yet highly influential city, accounting for 5% of Denmark’s total population. Its robust economy is reflected in a GDP per capita of and an impressive real GDP growth rate of 3.6%. The city operates with a substantial 2024 budget of £2.1 billion GBP, ensuring that its infrastructure, public services, and strategic initiatives continue to thrive. Public administration plays a significant role in the city’s workforce, employing nearly 30% of all workers.
Education and innovation are at the heart of Aarhus' identity. The city is home to a globally recognized university ranked within the top 150, and lifelong learning is embraced by 11% of the population. Higher education is a priority, with 20% of residents holding a master’s degree, and an astounding 86% of the population proficient in at least one foreign language. Digital literacy is also widespread, with 91% of residents possessing strong digital skills. The city fosters creativity and progress, evidenced by 6.34 patents granted per 10,000 residents, positioning Aarhus as a hub for research and technological development.
Governance and civic engagement are strong in Aarhus, with a remarkable 68.2% voter turnout in the last local elections and 58.25% participation in supranational elections. Transparency is a key value, with the city maintaining an open data platform and publishing 122 datasets on public portals. Digital services are well-integrated into daily life, allowing citizens to report faults, make electronic payments, and schedule appointments online. The city also maintains a clear strategic vision, supported by three in-force sectoral development strategies that guide its long-term growth and sustainability.
Aarhus prioritizes the health and well-being of its citizens, ensuring 100% medical insurance coverage and providing access to 4.4 doctors per 1,000 residents. Life expectancy stands at 81.3 years, and the city encourages a balanced lifestyle with an average workweek of 37 hours. Despite an obesity rate of 22%, health initiatives and mental health support services are well-developed, benefiting 17.8% of adults. However, challenges persist, with 1.22 suicide attempts per 1,000 residents, underscoring the need for continued focus on mental health and social well-being.
Sustainable mobility is a defining feature of Aarhus, where 53% of all travel is classified as green mobility. The city’s intelligent traffic management system ensures efficient transportation, while electronic payment options for public transport—through mobile apps, special cards, and standard debit or credit cards—enhance convenience. The public transport network extends 0.04 kilometers per 100 residents, and the city boasts an impressively low traffic fatality rate of just 0.03 per 10,000 residents. Open data initiatives provide real-time public transport information, and journey planning tools help residents and visitors navigate the city effortlessly.
Environmental sustainability is deeply embedded in Aarhus’ urban fabric. The city efficiently manages electricity use at 0.08 per GDP and maintains a PM10 air quality index of 17, ensuring clean and breathable air. Biodiversity protection is a priority, with strong legal frameworks supporting conservation efforts. Waste management is well-regulated, with recycling rate of 56%. Additionally, 95% of the population is served by sewage treatment facilities. Green spaces are abundant, with 1.35 parks per square kilometer, offering residents ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and connection with nature. The city actively promotes renewable energy and tracks CO2 emissions, reinforcing its role as an environmental leader in Denmark.
Aarhus’ economy is diverse and robust, featuring 193.71 businesses per 1,000 residents and an exceptionally low unemployment rate of 3%. Foreign investment is strong. Salaries in Aarhus are competitive, with earnings deviating 13% above the national average, making it an attractive destination for professionals and businesses alike.
Education and innovation are at the heart of Aarhus' identity. The city is home to a globally recognized university ranked within the top 150, and lifelong learning is embraced by 11% of the population. Higher education is a priority, with 20% of residents holding a master’s degree, and an astounding 86% of the population proficient in at least one foreign language. Digital literacy is also widespread, with 91% of residents possessing strong digital skills. The city fosters creativity and progress, evidenced by 6.34 patents granted per 10,000 residents, positioning Aarhus as a hub for research and technological development.
Governance and civic engagement are strong in Aarhus, with a remarkable 68.2% voter turnout in the last local elections and 58.25% participation in supranational elections. Transparency is a key value, with the city maintaining an open data platform and publishing 122 datasets on public portals. Digital services are well-integrated into daily life, allowing citizens to report faults, make electronic payments, and schedule appointments online. The city also maintains a clear strategic vision, supported by three in-force sectoral development strategies that guide its long-term growth and sustainability.
Aarhus prioritizes the health and well-being of its citizens, ensuring 100% medical insurance coverage and providing access to 4.4 doctors per 1,000 residents. Life expectancy stands at 81.3 years, and the city encourages a balanced lifestyle with an average workweek of 37 hours. Despite an obesity rate of 22%, health initiatives and mental health support services are well-developed, benefiting 17.8% of adults. However, challenges persist, with 1.22 suicide attempts per 1,000 residents, underscoring the need for continued focus on mental health and social well-being.
Sustainable mobility is a defining feature of Aarhus, where 53% of all travel is classified as green mobility. The city’s intelligent traffic management system ensures efficient transportation, while electronic payment options for public transport—through mobile apps, special cards, and standard debit or credit cards—enhance convenience. The public transport network extends 0.04 kilometers per 100 residents, and the city boasts an impressively low traffic fatality rate of just 0.03 per 10,000 residents. Open data initiatives provide real-time public transport information, and journey planning tools help residents and visitors navigate the city effortlessly.
Environmental sustainability is deeply embedded in Aarhus’ urban fabric. The city efficiently manages electricity use at 0.08 per GDP and maintains a PM10 air quality index of 17, ensuring clean and breathable air. Biodiversity protection is a priority, with strong legal frameworks supporting conservation efforts. Waste management is well-regulated, with recycling rate of 56%. Additionally, 95% of the population is served by sewage treatment facilities. Green spaces are abundant, with 1.35 parks per square kilometer, offering residents ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and connection with nature. The city actively promotes renewable energy and tracks CO2 emissions, reinforcing its role as an environmental leader in Denmark.
Aarhus’ economy is diverse and robust, featuring 193.71 businesses per 1,000 residents and an exceptionally low unemployment rate of 3%. Foreign investment is strong. Salaries in Aarhus are competitive, with earnings deviating 13% above the national average, making it an attractive destination for professionals and businesses alike.