Living in Diest: a portrait
Diest is a municipality in Brabant flamand in Flanders, with 24,971 residents spread across 47.9 km2. The population is experiencing moderate growth.
Check out property prices in Diest to estimate your budget.
Urban profile
Diest is a medium-sized city with comprehensive urban services, good transport connectivity, and varied neighbourhoods. It offers hospitals, shopping centres, cultural and sporting facilities, and a diversified job market. This intermediate size provides the best compromise between urban dynamism and quality of life.
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 Diest
Diest scores 54/100 for public transport. The walkability score is 55/100. Public transport access is adequate but could be improved.
Schools and services
The schools score is 74/100. Accessibility to shops and services reaches 66/100.
Green spaces and quality of life
With a green score of 56/100, Diest has satisfactory green spaces.
Safety
The crime rate is around the national average, with 69.0 offences per 1,000 residents. Safety score: 18/100.
Cost of living
The median declarable income in Diest is EUR 30,968 per year. The median house purchase price is EUR 206,459, or EUR 1,475 per sqm.
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Daily life in Diest
The ratio between the median house price and median income is 6.7x. This ratio is around the Belgian average, indicating a balanced market. Access to shops and services (66/100) makes daily life convenient without excessive travel. Use our notary fees calculator to plan your move.
Family life
Under-17s represent 17.3 % of the population. The school access score of 74/100 reflects a quality educational offering. The average household size (5.08 persons) confirms the presence of many families.
Population profile
- 0-17 years: 17.3 %
- 18-34 years: 18.4 %
- 35-64 years: 40.3 %
- 65+ years: 24.0 %
- Foreign residents: 7.4 %
- Households: 4,914
- Average household size: 5.08
Neighboring municipalities
- Overijse — 25,500 residents, overall score 70/100
- Scherpenheuvel-Zichem — 24,001 residents, overall score 66/100
- Rhode-Saint-Genese — 25,970 residents, overall score 54/100
- Beersel — 26,505 residents, overall score 72/100
- Zemst — 23,401 residents, overall score 66/100
Is Diest a good municipality for families?
With a schools score of 74/100 and a green score of 56/100, Diest offers an environment that should be evaluated based on your family priorities.
What is the overall score of Diest?
Diest has an overall score of 65/100, combining transport, schools, shops, green spaces, and safety.
What is the cost of living in Diest?
The median income is EUR 30,968 per year and the median house price is EUR 206,459. The price-to-income ratio of 6.7x should be factored into your planning.
What is public transport like in Diest?
The transport score is 54/100 and walkability is 55/100. Car use is often complementary.