Quality of life in Hundwil (Appenzell Ausserrhoden) — scores, review and neighborhoods

5.1/ 10
Average
Population
794
Commune type
Hamlet

Living in Hundwil, a commune of 794 inhabitants in Canton Appenzell A.Rh. — with an overall score of 5.1/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.8/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.7/10). Its score is below the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.8
Air Quality
7.7
Public Transport
0.5
Education & Culture
3.7
Nightlife & Dining
4.1
Nature & Green Spaces
9.7
Healthcare
5.6
Taxation
2.7
Annual Sunshine
2.0
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

Nature
Fair
mediantop
Young Professional
Fair
mediantop
Retirement
Average
mediantop
Family
Average
mediantop

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Hundwil achieves a compatibility score of 6.8/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (4.1/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Hundwil excels in Noise (9.8/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.7/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Air Quality (7.7/10) — clean air with low pollutant concentrations.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (0.5/10) — limited public transport connections, Annual Sunshine (2/10), Taxation (2.7/10) — a higher tax burden than average.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

MitlediSchool

Public Transport

SonderauBus Stop
Hundwil DorfBus Stop
Säntis-SchwebebahnBus Stop
PasshöheBus Stop

Guides to read for this area

Four guides by lifestyle profile and three analyses of this area's strongest criteria.

Considering buying property in Hundwil or moving to Canton Appenzell A.Rh.? Our interactive map lets you explore quality of life at the neighborhood level and compare with nearby communes.

Frequently asked questions about Hundwil

What's it like to live in Hundwil? Resident impressions and quality of life
Hundwil stands apart from its neighbors Gonten, Urnäsch, and Waldstatt primarily through its exceptional natural environment. With a noise score of 9.8 and nature rating of 9.7, this small commune of 794 inhabitants offers a remarkably tranquil rural setting. Air quality is strong at 8.3, making it ideal for those seeking pristine surroundings. However, transport infrastructure is severely limited at 0.3, and dining options are minimal at 1.5. Education facilities similarly score low at 1.5. The commune's remote character and limited amenities mean daily necessities often require travel to the St. Gallen agglomeration. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees prioritizing peace and clean air over urban convenience, though prospective residents should anticipate significant commuting for work and services.
How sunny and clean is the air in Hundwil?
Compared to neighbors like Gonten, Urnäsch, and Waldstatt, Hundwil presents a trade-off between air quality and sunshine. The commune scores notably well on air quality at 8.3, reflecting relatively clean atmospheric conditions typical of its rural setting. However, sunshine remains a weaker dimension at 2.0, suggesting limited annual sun exposure—a common characteristic of northeastern Swiss valleys. The exceptionally strong nature score of 9.7 and noise rating of 9.8 further reinforce Hundwil's appeal as a quiet, environmentally sound location. This profile suits nature lovers and those prioritizing clean air over abundant sunshine.
How well-connected is Hundwil? Transport, schools, dining
Hundwil lags notably behind its neighbors Gonten, Urnäsch, and Waldstatt in connectivity. Transport accessibility is extremely limited, scoring only 0.3, while educational facilities and dining options are equally sparse at 1.5 each. This rural commune of 794 inhabitants prioritizes natural environment and air quality over urban amenities, with excellent air quality at 8.3 and outstanding nature access at 9.7. Healthcare services are moderately available at 5.3. Despite proximity to the St. Gallen agglomeration, Hundwil remains distinctly car-dependent with minimal public transit infrastructure. The profile suits nature lovers and those seeking rural tranquility over urban convenience.
What are the neighboring communes of Hundwil and how big is it?
Hundwil, with a population of 794, is notably smaller than its neighbors Gonten, Urnäsch, and Waldstatt, placing it among the canton's more intimate rural settlements. Despite its diminutive size, the commune excels in environmental quality, with air quality scoring 8.3 and nature access at 9.7, making it comparable to or exceeding regional standards. However, transport connectivity remains a significant weakness at 0.3, reflecting its remote positioning within the St. Gallen agglomeration. Furthermore, education and dining options score modestly at 1.5 each, limiting urban conveniences. Hundwil suits nature lovers and those seeking tranquility over accessibility.
Is Hundwil a tax-friendly municipality?
Hundwil's fiscal profile compares modestly to neighboring Gonten, Urnäsch, and Waldstatt. With a tax score of 2.7, this small commune of 794 residents ranks as less tax-advantaged within its regional context. The weakest dimension here is transport accessibility, scoring 0.3, reflecting its rural character. However, Hundwil excels in environmental quality, with air quality at 8.3 and nature at 9.7, making it exceptionally attractive for those prioritizing clean air and outdoor access. Additionally, noise levels score 9.8, ensuring a peaceful setting. Thus, Hundwil suits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquility over fiscal benefits, though prospective residents should weigh tax considerations against its strong environmental advantages.

Neighboring communes of Hundwil

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 26.4 %20–64 years 59.2 %65 and over 14.5 %
Density
40 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
-0.1 %
Vacant housing
0.6 %
New dwellings
2.1 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
0.8 %
Tertiary employment
66.1 %

Land use

Built-up area 3.5 %Agricultural land 58.3 %Forest 31 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.3165, 9.3170
BFS Number
3002
Last updated
29 June 2026

Data: FSO, geo.admin.ch, OSM — Scores normalised 0-10