Living in Wavre: a portrait
Wavre is a municipality in Brabant wallon in Wallonia, with 35,558 residents spread across 41.8 km2. The population is experiencing moderate growth.
Check out property prices in Wavre to estimate your budget.
Urban profile
Wavre 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 Wavre
Wavre scores 52/100 for public transport. The walkability score is 46/100. Public transport access is adequate but could be improved.
Schools and services
The schools score is 62/100. Accessibility to shops and services reaches 60/100.
Green spaces and quality of life
With a green score of 65/100, Wavre has satisfactory green spaces.
Safety
The crime rate is above average, warranting particular attention, with 82.1 offences per 1,000 residents. Safety score: 6/100.
Cost of living
The median declarable income in Wavre is EUR 30,411 per year. The median house purchase price is EUR 424,482, or EUR 3,032 per sqm.
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Daily life in Wavre
The ratio between the median house price and median income is 14.0x. This high ratio reflects tension between property prices and local incomes. Access to shops and services (60/100) makes daily life convenient without excessive travel. Use our notary fees calculator to plan your move.
Family life
Under-17s represent 19.0 % of the population. The school access score of 62/100 reflects an adequate educational offering. Abundant green spaces (65/100) provide playgrounds and walking areas for children. The average household size (4.75 persons) confirms the presence of many families.
Population profile
- 0-17 years: 19.0 %
- 18-34 years: 20.3 %
- 35-64 years: 38.1 %
- 65+ years: 22.6 %
- Foreign residents: 11.7 %
- Households: 7,493
- Average household size: 4.75
Neighboring municipalities
- Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve — 31,648 residents, overall score 57/100
- Braine-l'Alleud — 40,461 residents, overall score 60/100
- Waterloo — 30,596 residents, overall score 62/100
- Nivelles — 29,070 residents, overall score 62/100
- Tubize — 28,381 residents, overall score 63/100
Is Wavre a good municipality for families?
With a schools score of 62/100 and a green score of 65/100, Wavre is well-suited for families.
What is the overall score of Wavre?
Wavre has an overall score of 59/100, combining transport, schools, shops, green spaces, and safety.
What is the cost of living in Wavre?
The median income is EUR 30,411 per year and the median house price is EUR 424,482. The price-to-income ratio of 14.0x should be factored into your planning.
What is public transport like in Wavre?
The transport score is 52/100 and walkability is 46/100. Car use is often complementary.