City Profile: Vienna
General Overview
Education & Innovation
Governance & Transparency
Health & Well-being
Mobility & Transport
Environment & Sustainability
Economy & Business
General Overview
- Country: Austria
- Population of the city: 2005760
- Area of the city measured in square kilometres (km²): 414.9
- Budget of the city in 2024 (GBP): 15 665 643 000 GBP
- Percentage of population of the country living in the city: 22.00%
- GDP PER PERSON: 54849
- REAL GDB - GROWTH: 0.7
- Percentage of all employed individuals in public administration: 15.90%
Education & Innovation
- The highest ranking position of university in global educational indexes: 101-150
- Percentage of citizens taking part in formal education - lifelong learning: 6.00%
- The percentage of income that should be allocated to cover the cost of studies: 0.00%
- Percentage of the population who knew at least one foreign language: 73.00%
- Percentage of population with digital skills: 70.00%
- Patent granted per 10,000 residents: 2.39
Governance & Transparency
- Voter turnout in the most recent supranational elections (%): 56.25%
- Voter turnout in the last local elections (%): 65.27%
- Percentage of the city's budget to supporting innovation: 17.00%
- Percentage of the city’s budget allocated to projects run by NGOs: 0.01%
- Number of residents (per 1000) involved in local governance structures: 0.05
- 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: 793
- 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: 18
Health & Well-being
- Percentage of population with medical insurance: 100.00%
- Number of doctors per 1,000 residents: 5.5
- Life Expectancy Rate (at birth): 80.2
- Obesity rate: 22.00%
- Average number of working hours: 40
- Percentage of the adult population receiving support and coordinated mental health care: 3.70%
- The number of suicide attempts per 1,000 residents: 0.14
- Number of recorded incidents of violence in public places per 1000 resident: 13.59
Mobility & Transport
- Green Mobility Share (%): 74.00%
- 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: 0.06
- 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: 86
- Number of traffic-related fatalities per 10000 residents: 0.1
- 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): 0.15
- Average PM10 value in the city: 24
- Existence of biodiversity protection strategy in the city: yes
- Amount of waste produced per resident (tons): 0.11
- Percentage of the population that is served by sewage treatment facilities: 99.00%
- Recycling rate: 35.00%
- Number of parks per square kilometre: 2.43
- 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: 69.67
- Number of new businesses per 1,000 residents: 4.73
- Unemployment rate: 10.00%
- Number of foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents: 7.7
- Percentage deviation in earnings relative to the national average: 1.00%
- Percentage of employed people with disabilities: 25.00%
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.
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Rank:
GOLD
Points:
918
Vienna, the capital of Austria, stands as a beacon of cultural heritage, economic stability, and forward-thinking urban development. Home to over 2 million residents and covering 414.9 square kilometres, the city is a significant hub within Austria, representing 22% of the nation’s population. With a strong GDP per capita of 54,849 GBP and a steady economic growth rate of 0.7%, Vienna continues to thrive as a center for commerce, governance, and innovation. Its substantial 2024 budget of 15.67 billion GBP underscores its commitment to quality public services, infrastructure, and sustainability.
Education and innovation are core components of Vienna’s identity. The city is home to globally recognized universities ranked within the 101-150 range, fostering a culture of academic excellence. Lifelong learning is embraced by 6% of the population, and higher education remains highly accessible with no direct costs for students. Vienna’s global outlook is reflected in its multilingual population, with 73% speaking at least one foreign language. The city also boasts a digitally skilled workforce, with 70% possessing digital competencies, ensuring its relevance in the evolving digital economy. Innovation thrives, with 2.39 patents granted per 10,000 residents, reinforcing Vienna’s role as a knowledge-driven city.
Governance and transparency are central to Vienna’s administrative framework. Voter participation remains strong, with a 65.27% turnout in local elections and 56.25% in supranational elections. Vienna invests heavily in innovation, dedicating 17% of its budget to research and technological advancement. The city maintains a comprehensive open data platform, offering access to 793 datasets that support transparency and evidence-based policymaking. Residents benefit from digital governance, with e-services such as fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling. Guided by 18 active sectoral strategies, Vienna continues to evolve in a structured and strategic manner.
Health and well-being are top priorities in Vienna. With universal medical insurance and 5.5 doctors per 1,000 residents, the city provides comprehensive healthcare services. Life expectancy stands at 80.2 years, and while the obesity rate is 22%, Vienna continues to promote active lifestyles and public health initiatives. Mental health services are also widely available, with 3.7% of the adult population receiving coordinated care. The city maintains public safety, with 13.59 recorded incidents of violence per 1,000 residents and a low suicide attempt rate of 0.14 per 1,000 residents.
Vienna’s mobility and transport network is one of the most advanced in Europe. With a green mobility share of 74%, the city emphasizes sustainable transport solutions. The public transport system is highly integrated, offering digital payments via mobile apps, transport cards, and credit or debit card transactions. An intelligent traffic management system enhances efficiency, while 86% of public transport vehicles are adapted for people with mobility disabilities. Vienna’s road safety measures contribute to a low traffic fatality rate of 0.1 per 10,000 residents. Real-time public transport data and journey planning tools further improve commuter experience.
Sustainability is deeply ingrained in Vienna’s urban policies. The city actively promotes biodiversity protection and renewable energy solutions. With an electricity efficiency rate of 0.15 per GDP and an average PM10 pollution level of 24, Vienna maintains good air quality. Waste management is effective, with 99% of the population served by sewage treatment facilities and a recycling rate of 35%. Green spaces are abundant, with 2.43 parks per square kilometre, enhancing the city's livability and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Vienna’s economy is robust and diverse, driven by a mix of established industries and emerging enterprises. The city hosts 69.67 businesses per 1,000 residents, contributing to its vibrant economic landscape. New business growth is steady, with 4.73 new businesses per 1,000 residents. However, the unemployment rate stands at 10%, indicating an area for economic development. Vienna remains an attractive destination for international business. Earnings in the city are only 1% above the national average, ensuring a relatively balanced economic structure. Furthermore, Vienna prioritizes inclusivity, with 25% of employed individuals having disabilities, reflecting a commitment to workforce diversity.
Education and innovation are core components of Vienna’s identity. The city is home to globally recognized universities ranked within the 101-150 range, fostering a culture of academic excellence. Lifelong learning is embraced by 6% of the population, and higher education remains highly accessible with no direct costs for students. Vienna’s global outlook is reflected in its multilingual population, with 73% speaking at least one foreign language. The city also boasts a digitally skilled workforce, with 70% possessing digital competencies, ensuring its relevance in the evolving digital economy. Innovation thrives, with 2.39 patents granted per 10,000 residents, reinforcing Vienna’s role as a knowledge-driven city.
Governance and transparency are central to Vienna’s administrative framework. Voter participation remains strong, with a 65.27% turnout in local elections and 56.25% in supranational elections. Vienna invests heavily in innovation, dedicating 17% of its budget to research and technological advancement. The city maintains a comprehensive open data platform, offering access to 793 datasets that support transparency and evidence-based policymaking. Residents benefit from digital governance, with e-services such as fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling. Guided by 18 active sectoral strategies, Vienna continues to evolve in a structured and strategic manner.
Health and well-being are top priorities in Vienna. With universal medical insurance and 5.5 doctors per 1,000 residents, the city provides comprehensive healthcare services. Life expectancy stands at 80.2 years, and while the obesity rate is 22%, Vienna continues to promote active lifestyles and public health initiatives. Mental health services are also widely available, with 3.7% of the adult population receiving coordinated care. The city maintains public safety, with 13.59 recorded incidents of violence per 1,000 residents and a low suicide attempt rate of 0.14 per 1,000 residents.
Vienna’s mobility and transport network is one of the most advanced in Europe. With a green mobility share of 74%, the city emphasizes sustainable transport solutions. The public transport system is highly integrated, offering digital payments via mobile apps, transport cards, and credit or debit card transactions. An intelligent traffic management system enhances efficiency, while 86% of public transport vehicles are adapted for people with mobility disabilities. Vienna’s road safety measures contribute to a low traffic fatality rate of 0.1 per 10,000 residents. Real-time public transport data and journey planning tools further improve commuter experience.
Sustainability is deeply ingrained in Vienna’s urban policies. The city actively promotes biodiversity protection and renewable energy solutions. With an electricity efficiency rate of 0.15 per GDP and an average PM10 pollution level of 24, Vienna maintains good air quality. Waste management is effective, with 99% of the population served by sewage treatment facilities and a recycling rate of 35%. Green spaces are abundant, with 2.43 parks per square kilometre, enhancing the city's livability and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Vienna’s economy is robust and diverse, driven by a mix of established industries and emerging enterprises. The city hosts 69.67 businesses per 1,000 residents, contributing to its vibrant economic landscape. New business growth is steady, with 4.73 new businesses per 1,000 residents. However, the unemployment rate stands at 10%, indicating an area for economic development. Vienna remains an attractive destination for international business. Earnings in the city are only 1% above the national average, ensuring a relatively balanced economic structure. Furthermore, Vienna prioritizes inclusivity, with 25% of employed individuals having disabilities, reflecting a commitment to workforce diversity.