Living in Houthalen-Helchteren: a portrait
Houthalen-Helchteren is a municipality in Limbourg in Flanders, with 30,896 residents spread across 57.7 km2. The population is experiencing moderate growth.
Check out property prices in Houthalen-Helchteren to estimate your budget.
Urban profile
Houthalen-Helchteren 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 Houthalen-Helchteren
Houthalen-Helchteren scores 55/100 for public transport. The walkability score is 60/100. Public transport access is adequate but could be improved.
Schools and services
The schools score is 73/100. Accessibility to shops and services reaches 64/100.
Green spaces and quality of life
With a green score of 70/100, Houthalen-Helchteren offers a leafy environment with numerous natural spaces.
Safety
The crime rate is around the national average, with 57.0 offences per 1,000 residents. Safety score: 43/100.
Cost of living
The median declarable income in Houthalen-Helchteren is EUR 29,553 per year. The median house purchase price is EUR 242,366, or EUR 1,731 per sqm.
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Daily life in Houthalen-Helchteren
The ratio between the median house price and median income is 8.2x. This high ratio reflects tension between property prices and local incomes. Access to shops and services (64/100) makes daily life convenient without excessive travel. Use our notary fees calculator to plan your move.
Family life
Under-17s represent 19.5 % of the population. The school access score of 73/100 reflects a quality educational offering. Abundant green spaces (70/100) provide playgrounds and walking areas for children. The average household size (6.69 persons) confirms the presence of many families.
Population profile
- 0-17 years: 19.5 %
- 18-34 years: 19.0 %
- 35-64 years: 40.8 %
- 65+ years: 20.8 %
- Foreign residents: 9.9 %
- Households: 4,615
- Average household size: 6.69
Neighboring municipalities
- Tongeren — 32,138 residents, overall score 70/100
- Bilzen — 32,782 residents, overall score 69/100
- Pelt — 34,433 residents, overall score 69/100
- Lommel — 34,913 residents, overall score 68/100
- Heusden-Zolder — 35,017 residents, overall score 72/100
Is Houthalen-Helchteren a good municipality for families?
With a schools score of 73/100 and a green score of 70/100, Houthalen-Helchteren is well-suited for families.
What is the overall score of Houthalen-Helchteren?
Houthalen-Helchteren has an overall score of 67/100, combining transport, schools, shops, green spaces, and safety.
What is the cost of living in Houthalen-Helchteren?
The median income is EUR 29,553 per year and the median house price is EUR 242,366. The price-to-income ratio of 8.2x should be factored into your planning.
What is public transport like in Houthalen-Helchteren?
The transport score is 55/100 and walkability is 60/100. Car use is often complementary.