Living in Aalst: a portrait
Aalst is a municipality in Flandre orientale in Flanders, with 90,995 residents spread across 78.1 km2. Population growth is strong, reflecting sustained attractiveness.
Check out property prices in Aalst to estimate your budget.
Urban profile
Aalst is a metropolitan-scale city with a diversified economic fabric and a rich cultural scene. The transport network is extensive, professional opportunities are plentiful, and healthcare and education services are of a high standard. The diversity of neighbourhoods allows everyone to find a suitable living environment, from lively centres to quieter residential areas.
Settling in Flanders
Flanders, the economically dynamic region in northern Belgium, benefits from reduced registration fees of just 3%, a significant fiscal advantage for buyers. The region stands out for its strong economic fabric, quality infrastructure, and robust job market. Flemish culture values quality of life, cycling as a mode of transport, and well-maintained public spaces. The Flemish property market is generally more expensive than Wallonia but offers high liquidity.
Getting around Aalst
Aalst scores 67/100 for public transport. The walkability score is 64/100. Public transport access is adequate but could be improved.
Schools and services
The schools score is 82/100. Accessibility to shops and services reaches 63/100.
Green spaces and quality of life
With a green score of 62/100, Aalst has satisfactory green spaces.
Safety
The crime rate is around the national average, with 72.2 offences per 1,000 residents. Safety score: 14/100.
Cost of living
The median declarable income in Aalst is EUR 29,976 per year. The median house purchase price is EUR 434,342, or EUR 3,102 per sqm.
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Daily life in Aalst
The ratio between the median house price and median income is 14.5x. This high ratio reflects tension between property prices and local incomes. Access to shops and services (63/100) makes daily life convenient without excessive travel. Use our notary fees calculator to plan your move.
Family life
With 20.2 % of residents under 17, Aalst has a distinctly family-oriented profile. The school access score of 82/100 reflects a quality educational offering. Abundant green spaces (62/100) provide playgrounds and walking areas for children. The average household size (4.75 persons) confirms the presence of many families.
Population profile
- 0-17 years: 20.2 %
- 18-34 years: 19.9 %
- 35-64 years: 39.5 %
- 65+ years: 20.4 %
- Foreign residents: 10.7 %
- Households: 19,153
- Average household size: 4.75
Neighboring municipalities
- Sint-Niklaas — 81,863 residents, overall score 74/100
- Beveren — 50,838 residents, overall score 65/100
- Termonde — 47,185 residents, overall score 67/100
- Deinze — 45,471 residents, overall score 66/100
- Melle — 45,471 residents, overall score 51/100
Is Aalst a good municipality for families?
With a schools score of 82/100 and a green score of 62/100, Aalst is well-suited for families.
What is the overall score of Aalst?
Aalst has an overall score of 70/100, combining transport, schools, shops, green spaces, and safety.
What is the cost of living in Aalst?
The median income is EUR 29,976 per year and the median house price is EUR 434,342. The price-to-income ratio of 14.5x should be factored into your planning.
What is public transport like in Aalst?
The transport score is 67/100 and walkability is 64/100. A good network facilitates daily commuting.