Living in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean: a portrait
Molenbeek-Saint-Jean is a municipality in Bruxelles-Capitale in Brussels-Capital Region, with 98,365 residents spread across 5.9 km2. The population is experiencing moderate growth.
Check out property prices in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean to estimate your budget.
Urban profile
Molenbeek-Saint-Jean 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 Brussels-Capital Region
The Brussels-Capital Region, home to the European institutions, is a cosmopolitan and bilingual metropolis of over one million inhabitants. Its population density is the highest in the country, which is reflected in property prices above the national average. The rental market is particularly dynamic, driven by the presence of expatriates, EU civil servants, and students. Brussels offers a thriving cultural life, renowned gastronomy, and a dense public transport network comprising metro, tram, and bus.
Getting around Molenbeek-Saint-Jean
Molenbeek-Saint-Jean scores 79/100 for public transport. The walkability score is 76/100. The municipality is well-served by public transport.
Schools and services
The schools score is 70/100. Accessibility to shops and services reaches 83/100.
Green spaces and quality of life
With a green score of 42/100, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean has satisfactory green spaces.
Safety
The crime rate is above average, warranting particular attention, with 115.8 offences per 1,000 residents. Safety score: 2/100.
Cost of living
The median declarable income in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean is EUR 21,289 per year. The median house purchase price is EUR 467,884, or EUR 3,342 per sqm.
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Daily life in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean
The ratio between the median house price and median income is 22.0x. This high ratio reflects tension between property prices and local incomes. Access to shops and services (83/100) makes daily life convenient without excessive travel. Use our notary fees calculator to plan your move.
Family life
With 27.7 % of residents under 17, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean has a distinctly family-oriented profile. The school access score of 70/100 reflects a quality educational offering. The average household size (4.27 persons) confirms the presence of many families.
Population profile
- 0-17 years: 27.7 %
- 18-34 years: 23.9 %
- 35-64 years: 36.8 %
- 65+ years: 11.6 %
- Foreign residents: 29.3 %
- Households: 23,014
- Average household size: 4.27
Neighboring municipalities
- Ixelles — 89,278 residents, overall score 76/100
- Uccle — 86,806 residents, overall score 75/100
- Anderlecht — 126,581 residents, overall score 78/100
- Schaerbeek — 130,405 residents, overall score 77/100
- Woluwe-Saint-Lambert — 60,771 residents, overall score 72/100
Is Molenbeek-Saint-Jean a good municipality for families?
With a schools score of 70/100 and a green score of 42/100, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean offers an environment that should be evaluated based on your family priorities.
What is the overall score of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean?
Molenbeek-Saint-Jean has an overall score of 68/100, combining transport, schools, shops, green spaces, and safety.
What is the cost of living in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean?
The median income is EUR 21,289 per year and the median house price is EUR 467,884. The price-to-income ratio of 22.0x should be factored into your planning.
What is public transport like in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean?
The transport score is 79/100 and walkability is 76/100. A good network facilitates daily commuting.