Results by theme
Share of indicators in each theme where Nijmegen scores above the average or has the policy in place.
NIJMEGEN (rank 34) - Netherlands
About the data
Methodology
How to read these results
The Happy City Index is an independent comparative research project based on a structured methodology and multi-source data assessment. The results presented here are provided for informational and benchmarking purposes only and should not be treated as a definitive or exhaustive statement of fact.
- Scores compare each city with the average across all cities in the Index.
- For important decisions, verify relevant data with official sources.
Spotted a mistake?
Help us improve the Index
We have made every effort to ensure reliable and comparable data. Still, errors may occur. If you notice something that should be corrected, let us know.
By doing so, you can also join us as a one-time contributor and become part of our global community of researchers.
- 1 · Report
- 2 · We verify
- 3 · Index improves
Source: Institute for Quality of Life, Happy City Index 2026.
Happy City Index 2026 · City profile
Nijmegen against the Index average
Results for all 64 indicators, grouped into six themes: citizens, governance, environment, economy, health and mobility.
Total score6459
CategoryGold
Above the average33/51
Policies in place12/13
All 64 indicators at a glance
One square per indicator, ordered by theme. Hover for details.
33 above average12 policies in place16 below avg. / missing3 neutral
6of 10
Citizens
13of 17
Governance
7of 7
Environment
5of 10
Economy
11of 12
Health
3of 8
Mobility
01Selected results
CitizensResidents who speak a foreign language
85.9%
Index average: 34%
HealthDoctors practising in the city (FTE)
11.4
Index average: 5.2
HealthPsychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants
23
Index average: 16.4
EnvironmentRecycling rate
68%
Index average: 44%
CitizensResidents using online banking
95.6%
Index average: 79%
GovernanceEmployment in creative industries
7.7%
Index average: 4.6%
GovernanceShare of income spent on rent
18%
Index average: 32%
EnvironmentAnnual average PM2.5 concentration
8.0
Index average: 11.9
EnvironmentLandfill waste burden
0.15
Index average: 0.28
NijmegenIndex average
02Largest differences from the average
Ahead of the average
- GDP Growth (%)95× avg1.90% vs 0.02%
- Population Able to Communicate in a Foreign Language (%)2.5× avg85.9% vs 34.14%
- Licensed Medical Doctors Practising in the City (FTE)2.2× avg11.38 vs 5.18
- Intentional Homicides per 100,000 Residents100% lower0.00 vs 20.62
- Net Internal Migration Rate per 1,000 Population+73%6.20 vs 3.58
- Employment in Creative Industries (%)+67%7.7% vs 4.62%
- Presence of a Globally Ranked Higher Education Institution63% lower101 vs 276.16
- Parks per km²+60%1.74 vs 1.09
Behind the average
- Cost of Higher Education Compared to Average Annual Salary71× avg5% vs 0.07%
- Distance to the Nearest International Airport59% higher34 vs 21.44
- Businesses per 1,000 Residents−42%80.68 vs 138.18
- Road Traffic Accidents per 1,000 Residents37% higher11.11 vs 8.13
- Paid Parental Leave Weeks at 50% or More of Salary−34%16 vs 24.21
- Key Elements Included in the Strategy−33%3 vs 4.5
- Percentage Deviation in Earnings Relative to the National Average−28%31% vs 43.01%
- Public Transport Ridership per Capita−23%149.00 vs 193.80
- Cultural Institutions per 100,000 Residents−23%6.3 vs 8.15
03All indicators
NijmegenOverall averageAbove averageBelow average
Citizens
6 above avg.3 below avg.10 indicators
Urban Innovation Ecosystem Potential
Above average
School Density
Above average
Higher Education Accessibility
In place
Presence of a Globally Ranked Higher Education Institution
Above average
Cost of Higher Education Compared to Average Annual Salary
Below average
Residents with a Master's Degree (%)
Below average
Population Able to Communicate in a Foreign Language (%)
Above average
Use of Electronic Banking Services (%)
Above average
Population Aged 65+ Benefiting from Municipal Home Care (%)
Above average
Homeless People per 10,000 Residents
Below average
Governance
13 above avg.2 below avg.17 indicators
Availability of City Website
Above average
Net Internal Migration Rate per 1,000 Population
Above average
Pupils per School Building
Below average
Employment in Creative Industries (%)
Above average
Housing Affordability Ratio
Above average
Housing Affordability Ratio (Rent)
Above average
Cultural Institutions per 100,000 Residents
Below average
Libraries per 10 km²
Above average
Voter Turnout in the Last Local Elections (%)
Above average
Open Data Portal Availability
In place
Datasets Available in Machine-Readable Formats
In place
Fault Reporting System via Website or Mobile App
In place
Electronic Payments for Municipal Services
In place
Online Appointment Booking with City Hall
In place
Up-to-Date Official Development Strategy
In place
Key Elements Included in the Strategy
Below average
AI Awareness in City Strategies
In place
Environment
7 above avg.0 below avg.7 indicators
Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration
Above average
Green Mobility Share (%)
Above average
Waste Generated per Resident
Above average
Population Served by Sewage Treatment Facilities (%)
Above average
Recycling Rate (%)
Above average
Landfill Waste Burden
Above average
Biodiversity Protection Strategy
In place
Economy
5 above avg.5 below avg.10 indicators
GDP per Capita
Above average
GDP Growth (%)
Above average
Patents per 100,000 Inhabitants
Below average
Businesses per 1,000 Residents
Below average
City Fiscal Power Index
Below average
Annual Average Unemployment Rate
Above average
Annual Average Youth Unemployment Rate
Above average
Youth Unemployment Ratio
Above average
Percentage Deviation in Earnings Relative to the National Average
Below average
Paid Parental Leave Weeks at 50% or More of Salary
Below average
Health
11 above avg.1 below avg.12 indicators
Psychiatrists per 100,000 Inhabitants
Above average
Mental Health or Well-Being Strategy
In place
Strategy to Prevent and Address Hate Speech or Cyberbullying
Not in place
Licensed Medical Doctors Practising in the City (FTE)
Above average
Population Covered by Medical Insurance (%)
Above average
Intentional Homicides per 100,000 Residents
Above average
Adults Classified as Overweight or Obese (%)
Above average
Parks per km²
Above average
Green Space per Capita
Above average
Average Weekly Working Hours
Above average
Average Number of Paid Vacation Days
Above average
Life Expectancy at Birth
Above average
Mobility
3 above avg.5 below avg.8 indicators
Accessibility of Electronic Payment Systems in Transport
Below average
Distance to the Nearest International Airport
Below average
Access Modes to the Nearest Airport
Below average
Public Transport Ridership per Capita
Below average
Accessible Public Transport Fleet (%)
Above average
Road Traffic Accidents per 1,000 Residents
Below average
Open Public Transport Data Availability
In place
Integrated Journey Planner Availability
In place
Note: bars are scaled separately for each indicator. For indicators where a lower value is preferable, such as unemployment or PM2.5, a lower result is counted as above average. Differences in section 02 are relative to the Index average; bars are capped at 150%.
Source: Institute for Quality of Life, Happy City Index 2026.
