Living in Charleroi: a portrait
Charleroi is a municipality in Hainaut in Wallonia, with 204,322 residents spread across 102.1 km2. The population is experiencing moderate growth.
Check out property prices in Charleroi to estimate your budget.
Urban profile
Charleroi 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 Wallonia
Wallonia, the French-speaking region in southern Belgium, attracts with its natural landscapes, spacious living, and more affordable property prices. Registration fees stand at 12.5%, but the lower purchase prices often compensate for this difference. The region offers attractive energy renovation subsidies and boasts a remarkable natural heritage spanning the Ardennes, the Meuse valleys, and the Hainaut countryside. The rise of remote working has strengthened the appeal of Walloon municipalities for Brussels commuters.
Getting around Charleroi
Charleroi scores 76/100 for public transport. The walkability score is 73/100. The municipality is well-served by public transport.
Schools and services
The schools score is 80/100. Accessibility to shops and services reaches 71/100.
Green spaces and quality of life
With a green score of 64/100, Charleroi has satisfactory green spaces.
Safety
The crime rate is above average, warranting particular attention, with 92.3 offences per 1,000 residents. Safety score: 4/100.
Cost of living
The median declarable income in Charleroi is EUR 23,263 per year. The median house purchase price is EUR 411,433, or EUR 2,939 per sqm.
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Daily life in Charleroi
The ratio between the median house price and median income is 17.7x. This high ratio reflects tension between property prices and local incomes. Access to shops and services (71/100) makes daily life convenient without excessive travel. Use our notary fees calculator to plan your move.
Family life
With 22.2 % of residents under 17, Charleroi has a distinctly family-oriented profile. The school access score of 80/100 reflects a quality educational offering. Abundant green spaces (64/100) provide playgrounds and walking areas for children. The average household size (3.65 persons) confirms the presence of many families.
Population profile
- 0-17 years: 22.2 %
- 18-34 years: 21.8 %
- 35-64 years: 38.0 %
- 65+ years: 18.0 %
- Foreign residents: 16.0 %
- Households: 55,945
- Average household size: 3.65
Neighboring municipalities
- Mons — 96,358 residents, overall score 64/100
- La Louviere — 80,700 residents, overall score 57/100
- Tournai — 68,554 residents, overall score 70/100
- Comines-Warneton — 59,987 residents, overall score 56/100
- Chatelet — 35,595 residents, overall score 58/100
Is Charleroi a good municipality for families?
With a schools score of 80/100 and a green score of 64/100, Charleroi is well-suited for families.
What is the overall score of Charleroi?
Charleroi has an overall score of 72/100, combining transport, schools, shops, green spaces, and safety.
What is the cost of living in Charleroi?
The median income is EUR 23,263 per year and the median house price is EUR 411,433. The price-to-income ratio of 17.7x should be factored into your planning.
What is public transport like in Charleroi?
The transport score is 76/100 and walkability is 73/100. A good network facilitates daily commuting.