Living in Schaerbeek: a portrait
Schaerbeek is a municipality in Bruxelles-Capitale in Brussels-Capital Region, with 130,405 residents spread across 8.1 km2. The municipality is experiencing slight population decline.
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Urban profile
Schaerbeek 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 Schaerbeek
Schaerbeek scores 89/100 for public transport. The walkability score is 85/100. The municipality is well-served by public transport.
Schools and services
The schools score is 79/100. Accessibility to shops and services reaches 76/100.
Green spaces and quality of life
With a green score of 57/100, Schaerbeek has satisfactory green spaces.
Safety
The crime rate is above average, warranting particular attention, with 119.2 offences per 1,000 residents. Safety score: 1/100.
Cost of living
The median declarable income in Schaerbeek is EUR 23,444 per year. The median house purchase price is EUR 702,968, or EUR 5,021 per sqm.
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Daily life in Schaerbeek
The ratio between the median house price and median income is 30.0x. This high ratio reflects tension between property prices and local incomes. Access to shops and services (76/100) makes daily life convenient without excessive travel. Use our notary fees calculator to plan your move.
Family life
With 23.6 % of residents under 17, Schaerbeek has a distinctly family-oriented profile. The school access score of 79/100 reflects a quality educational offering. The average household size (3.89 persons) confirms the presence of many families.
Population profile
- 0-17 years: 23.6 %
- 18-34 years: 27.1 %
- 35-64 years: 39.0 %
- 65+ years: 10.3 %
- Foreign residents: 38.5 %
- Households: 33,560
- Average household size: 3.89
Neighboring municipalities
- Anderlecht — 126,581 residents, overall score 78/100
- Molenbeek-Saint-Jean — 98,365 residents, overall score 68/100
- Ixelles — 89,278 residents, overall score 76/100
- Uccle — 86,806 residents, overall score 75/100
- Brussels — 196,828 residents, overall score 75/100
Is Schaerbeek a good municipality for families?
With a schools score of 79/100 and a green score of 57/100, Schaerbeek offers an environment that should be evaluated based on your family priorities.
What is the overall score of Schaerbeek?
Schaerbeek has an overall score of 77/100, combining transport, schools, shops, green spaces, and safety.
What is the cost of living in Schaerbeek?
The median income is EUR 23,444 per year and the median house price is EUR 702,968. The price-to-income ratio of 30.0x should be factored into your planning.
What is public transport like in Schaerbeek?
The transport score is 89/100 and walkability is 85/100. A good network facilitates daily commuting.