Living in Merelbeke: a portrait
Merelbeke is a municipality in Flandre orientale in Flanders, with 25,229 residents spread across 30.4 km2. The population is experiencing moderate growth.
Check out property prices in Merelbeke to estimate your budget.
Urban profile
Merelbeke 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 Merelbeke
Merelbeke scores 69/100 for public transport. The walkability score is 58/100. Public transport access is adequate but could be improved.
Schools and services
The schools score is 81/100. Accessibility to shops and services reaches 59/100.
Green spaces and quality of life
With a green score of 53/100, Merelbeke has satisfactory green spaces.
Safety
The crime rate is around the national average, with 73.4 offences per 1,000 residents. Safety score: 12/100.
Cost of living
The median declarable income in Merelbeke is EUR 34,293 per year. The median house purchase price is EUR 267,543, or EUR 1,911 per sqm.
Estimate your budget with our mortgage simulator.
Daily life in Merelbeke
The ratio between the median house price and median income is 7.8x. This ratio is around the Belgian average, indicating a balanced market. Access to shops and services (59/100) may require regular trips to neighbouring municipalities. Use our notary fees calculator to plan your move.
Family life
Under-17s represent 18.8 % of the population. The school access score of 81/100 reflects a quality educational offering. The average household size (5.86 persons) confirms the presence of many families.
Population profile
- 0-17 years: 18.8 %
- 18-34 years: 19.4 %
- 35-64 years: 40.2 %
- 65+ years: 21.6 %
- Foreign residents: 5.8 %
- Households: 4,303
- Average household size: 5.86
Neighboring municipalities
- Hamme — 25,554 residents, overall score 68/100
- Maldegem — 24,744 residents, overall score 67/100
- Wetteren — 26,960 residents, overall score 68/100
- Lievegem — 27,225 residents, overall score 69/100
- Renaix — 27,356 residents, overall score 70/100
Is Merelbeke a good municipality for families?
With a schools score of 81/100 and a green score of 53/100, Merelbeke offers an environment that should be evaluated based on your family priorities.
What is the overall score of Merelbeke?
Merelbeke has an overall score of 68/100, combining transport, schools, shops, green spaces, and safety.
What is the cost of living in Merelbeke?
The median income is EUR 34,293 per year and the median house price is EUR 267,543. The price-to-income ratio of 7.8x should be factored into your planning.
What is public transport like in Merelbeke?
The transport score is 69/100 and walkability is 58/100. A good network facilitates daily commuting.