Living in Nivelles: a portrait
Nivelles is a municipality in Brabant wallon in Wallonia, with 29,070 residents spread across 61.2 km2. The population is experiencing moderate growth.
Check out property prices in Nivelles to estimate your budget.
Urban profile
Nivelles 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 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 Nivelles
Nivelles scores 56/100 for public transport. The walkability score is 56/100. Public transport access is adequate but could be improved.
Schools and services
The schools score is 70/100. Accessibility to shops and services reaches 67/100.
Green spaces and quality of life
With a green score of 61/100, Nivelles has satisfactory green spaces.
Safety
The crime rate is around the national average, with 62.8 offences per 1,000 residents. Safety score: 31/100.
Cost of living
The median declarable income in Nivelles is EUR 30,349 per year. The median house purchase price is EUR 573,791, or EUR 4,099 per sqm.
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Daily life in Nivelles
The ratio between the median house price and median income is 18.9x. This high ratio reflects tension between property prices and local incomes. Access to shops and services (67/100) makes daily life convenient without excessive travel. Use our notary fees calculator to plan your move.
Family life
Under-17s represent 18.4 % of the population. The school access score of 70/100 reflects a quality educational offering. Abundant green spaces (61/100) provide playgrounds and walking areas for children. The average household size (3.81 persons) confirms the presence of many families.
Population profile
- 0-17 years: 18.4 %
- 18-34 years: 20.3 %
- 35-64 years: 39.0 %
- 65+ years: 22.3 %
- Foreign residents: 9.6 %
- Households: 7,627
- Average household size: 3.81
Neighboring municipalities
- Tubize — 28,381 residents, overall score 63/100
- Waterloo — 30,596 residents, overall score 62/100
- Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve — 31,648 residents, overall score 57/100
- Rixensart — 23,096 residents, overall score 58/100
- Wavre — 35,558 residents, overall score 59/100
Is Nivelles a good municipality for families?
With a schools score of 70/100 and a green score of 61/100, Nivelles is well-suited for families.
What is the overall score of Nivelles?
Nivelles has an overall score of 62/100, combining transport, schools, shops, green spaces, and safety.
What is the cost of living in Nivelles?
The median income is EUR 30,349 per year and the median house price is EUR 573,791. The price-to-income ratio of 18.9x should be factored into your planning.
What is public transport like in Nivelles?
The transport score is 56/100 and walkability is 56/100. Car use is often complementary.