Living in Merbes-le-Chateau: a portrait
Merbes-le-Chateau is a municipality in Hainaut in Wallonia, with 4,171 residents spread across 22.4 km2. The municipality is experiencing slight population decline.
Check out property prices in Merbes-le-Chateau to estimate your budget.
Urban profile
Merbes-le-Chateau is a rural municipality with an agricultural character, where proximity to nature and open landscapes define the living environment. Residents enjoy a quiet setting, pastoral views, and a peaceful pace of life, far from the bustle of urban centres. This village character fosters neighbourhood bonds and an authentic community life.
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 Merbes-le-Chateau
Merbes-le-Chateau scores 11/100 for public transport. The walkability score is 30/100. A car is often necessary for daily commuting.
Schools and services
The schools score is 52/100. Accessibility to shops and services reaches 26/100.
Green spaces and quality of life
With a green score of 84/100, Merbes-le-Chateau offers a leafy environment with numerous natural spaces.
Safety
The crime rate is below the national average, reflecting a peaceful living environment, with 45.6 offences per 1,000 residents. Safety score: 65/100.
Cost of living
The median declarable income in Merbes-le-Chateau is EUR 28,202 per year. The median house purchase price is EUR 193,775, or EUR 1,384 per sqm.
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Daily life in Merbes-le-Chateau
The ratio between the median house price and median income is 6.9x. This ratio is around the Belgian average, indicating a balanced market. Access to shops and services (26/100) may require regular trips to neighbouring municipalities. Use our notary fees calculator to plan your move.
Family life
With 21.1 % of residents under 17, Merbes-le-Chateau has a distinctly family-oriented profile. The school access score of 52/100 reflects an adequate educational offering. Abundant green spaces (84/100) provide playgrounds and walking areas for children. The average household size (4.93 persons) confirms the presence of many families.
Population profile
- 0-17 years: 21.1 %
- 18-34 years: 19.7 %
- 35-64 years: 40.5 %
- 65+ years: 18.8 %
- Foreign residents: 4.9 %
- Households: 846
- Average household size: 4.93
Neighboring municipalities
- Froidchapelle — 4,084 residents, overall score 44/100
- Mont-de-l'Enclus — 3,879 residents, overall score 50/100
- Brugelette — 3,853 residents, overall score 50/100
- Lens — 4,636 residents, overall score 48/100
- Sivry-Rance — 4,871 residents, overall score 46/100
Is Merbes-le-Chateau a good municipality for families?
With a schools score of 52/100 and a green score of 84/100, Merbes-le-Chateau offers an environment that should be evaluated based on your family priorities.
What is the overall score of Merbes-le-Chateau?
Merbes-le-Chateau has an overall score of 45/100, combining transport, schools, shops, green spaces, and safety.
What is the cost of living in Merbes-le-Chateau?
The median income is EUR 28,202 per year and the median house price is EUR 193,775. The price-to-income ratio of 6.9x should be factored into your planning.
What is public transport like in Merbes-le-Chateau?
The transport score is 11/100 and walkability is 30/100. Car use is often complementary.