City Profile: Milan
General Overview
Education & Innovation
Governance & Transparency
Health & Well-being
Mobility & Transport
Environment & Sustainability
Economy & Business
General Overview
- Country: Italy
- Population of the city: 1368590
- Area of the city measured in square kilometres (km²): 182
- Budget of the city in 2024 (GBP): 3 155 000 000 GBP
- Percentage of population of the country living in the city: 2.30%
- GDP PER PERSON: 37073
- REAL GDB - GROWTH: 0.7
- Percentage of all employed individuals in public administration: 13.20%
Education & Innovation
- Percentage of citizens taking part in formal education - lifelong learning: 4.00%
- The percentage of income that should be allocated to cover the cost of studies: 13.60%
- Percentage of population of the city with a master's degree: 0.40%
- Percentage of the population who knew at least one foreign language: 42.00%
- Percentage of population with digital skills: 55.00%
- Patent granted per 10,000 residents: 1.62
Governance & Transparency
- Voter turnout in the most recent supranational elections (%): 48.00%
- Voter turnout in the last local elections (%): 48.00%
- Percentage of the city’s budget allocated to projects run by NGOs: 0.10%
- 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: 2512
- E-services: fault reporting, 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: 6
Health & Well-being
- Percentage of population with medical insurance: 100.00%
- Number of doctors per 1,000 residents: 8
- Life Expectancy Rate (at birth): 83
- Obesity rate: 22.00%
- Average number of working hours: 40
- Percentage of the adult population receiving support and coordinated mental health care: 24.00%
- The number of suicide attempts per 1,000 residents: 0.07
- Number of recorded incidents of violence in public places per residents: 2.08
Mobility & Transport
- Green Mobility Share (%): 51.10%
- 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: 0.02
- Distance to the nearest airport offering international flights: 0
- Percentage of public transport vehicles (e.g., buses, metro, trams) fully adapted for people with mobility disabilities: 83
- 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): 0.14
- Average PM10 value in the city: 40
- Existence of biodiversity protection strategy in the city: yes
- Percentage of the population that is served by sewage treatment facilities: 71.00%
- Recycling rate: 55.00%
- Number of parks per square kilometre: 0.41
- Existence of any documents or municipal legal solutions promoting the use of renewable energy: yes
- Existance of information about CO2 emissions: yes
Economy & Business
- Number of businesses per 1,000 residents: 233.55
- Number of new businesses per 1,000 residents: 14.13
- Unemployment rate: 5.00%
- Number of foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents: 2.4
- Percentage deviation in earnings relative to the national average: 2.00%
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.
Our methodology is designed to reduce potential errors and ensure accuracy in the final results. However, if you identify any inaccuracies, please email [email protected] with verifiable sources supporting the correction.
We appreciate your understanding and your willingness to contribute to one of the world’s most comprehensive studies on sustainable urban development.
Rank:
GOLD
Points:
856
Milan, the economic and cultural heart of Italy, is a city that blends historic elegance with modern dynamism. Home to approximately 1.37 million residents and covering 182 square kilometres, Milan plays a vital role in shaping Italy’s financial and industrial landscape. With a budget of 3.15 billion GBP in 2024, the city’s influence extends far beyond its borders, accounting for 2.3% of the national population while driving forward economic growth at a rate of 0.7%.
Education and innovation are at the core of Milan’s identity. Though only 0.4% of the population holds a master’s degree, the city fosters an intellectual climate where 42% of its residents speak at least one foreign language and 55% possess digital skills. A hub for creativity and research, Milan generates 1.62 patents per 10,000 residents, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of European innovation. The city also encourages lifelong learning, though only 4% of citizens currently engage in formal education beyond their initial studies.
Governance and transparency are central to Milan’s administration. With a voter turnout of 48% in both local and supranational elections, civic engagement is strong. The city maintains a well-established open data platform, providing access to 2,512 datasets that enhance transparency and data-driven decision-making. Milan also embraces digital governance, offering e-services such as fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling. Its future development is guided by an officially adopted strategy, supplemented by six sectoral policies that ensure a balanced and forward-looking approach to urban planning.
Healthcare and well-being are key priorities for Milan’s residents. With universal medical insurance coverage and an impressive ratio of eight doctors per 1,000 residents, the city provides high-quality healthcare services. Life expectancy stands at 83 years, reflecting the strong healthcare infrastructure. While Milan faces challenges such as an obesity rate of 22%, it also prioritises mental health, with 24% of adults receiving coordinated support. Public safety is another focus, with 2.08 incidents of violence recorded per resident, reinforcing the need for continued urban safety measures.
Milan’s transport system is designed for efficiency and accessibility. With a green mobility share of 51.1%, the city is committed to sustainable transport solutions. Its intelligent traffic management system enhances urban mobility, while electronic payment options make public transport seamless and convenient. Although public transport is fully accessible to 83% of individuals with mobility disabilities, efforts continue to improve inclusivity. Milan’s transport infrastructure is supported by open data services that provide real-time travel information and journey planning tools, ensuring a smooth commuting experience for residents and visitors alike.
Sustainability remains a key pillar of Milan’s development. The city actively promotes renewable energy and has implemented policies for biodiversity protection. With a recycling rate of 55%, Milan takes significant strides toward environmental responsibility. However, air pollution remains a challenge, with an average PM10 level of 40. Urban greenery is an area for growth, as the city currently offers only 0.41 parks per square kilometre. Additionally, 71% of the population is served by sewage treatment facilities, highlighting the need for further infrastructure improvements in environmental management.
Milan’s economy thrives on entrepreneurship and global connections. The city boasts an impressive 233.55 businesses per 1,000 residents, demonstrating its status as a commercial powerhouse. With 14.13 new businesses emerging per 1,000 residents each year, Milan fosters a vibrant start-up culture. The unemployment rate stands at a steady 5%, while earnings deviate only slightly from the national average at 2%. Milan maintains its position as an attractive destination for international investment and business expansion.
Education and innovation are at the core of Milan’s identity. Though only 0.4% of the population holds a master’s degree, the city fosters an intellectual climate where 42% of its residents speak at least one foreign language and 55% possess digital skills. A hub for creativity and research, Milan generates 1.62 patents per 10,000 residents, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of European innovation. The city also encourages lifelong learning, though only 4% of citizens currently engage in formal education beyond their initial studies.
Governance and transparency are central to Milan’s administration. With a voter turnout of 48% in both local and supranational elections, civic engagement is strong. The city maintains a well-established open data platform, providing access to 2,512 datasets that enhance transparency and data-driven decision-making. Milan also embraces digital governance, offering e-services such as fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling. Its future development is guided by an officially adopted strategy, supplemented by six sectoral policies that ensure a balanced and forward-looking approach to urban planning.
Healthcare and well-being are key priorities for Milan’s residents. With universal medical insurance coverage and an impressive ratio of eight doctors per 1,000 residents, the city provides high-quality healthcare services. Life expectancy stands at 83 years, reflecting the strong healthcare infrastructure. While Milan faces challenges such as an obesity rate of 22%, it also prioritises mental health, with 24% of adults receiving coordinated support. Public safety is another focus, with 2.08 incidents of violence recorded per resident, reinforcing the need for continued urban safety measures.
Milan’s transport system is designed for efficiency and accessibility. With a green mobility share of 51.1%, the city is committed to sustainable transport solutions. Its intelligent traffic management system enhances urban mobility, while electronic payment options make public transport seamless and convenient. Although public transport is fully accessible to 83% of individuals with mobility disabilities, efforts continue to improve inclusivity. Milan’s transport infrastructure is supported by open data services that provide real-time travel information and journey planning tools, ensuring a smooth commuting experience for residents and visitors alike.
Sustainability remains a key pillar of Milan’s development. The city actively promotes renewable energy and has implemented policies for biodiversity protection. With a recycling rate of 55%, Milan takes significant strides toward environmental responsibility. However, air pollution remains a challenge, with an average PM10 level of 40. Urban greenery is an area for growth, as the city currently offers only 0.41 parks per square kilometre. Additionally, 71% of the population is served by sewage treatment facilities, highlighting the need for further infrastructure improvements in environmental management.
Milan’s economy thrives on entrepreneurship and global connections. The city boasts an impressive 233.55 businesses per 1,000 residents, demonstrating its status as a commercial powerhouse. With 14.13 new businesses emerging per 1,000 residents each year, Milan fosters a vibrant start-up culture. The unemployment rate stands at a steady 5%, while earnings deviate only slightly from the national average at 2%. Milan maintains its position as an attractive destination for international investment and business expansion.