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

5.8/ 10
Fair
Population
1,392
Commune type
Village

Living in Schwellbrunn, a commune of 1392 inhabitants in Canton Appenzell A.Rh. — with an overall score of 5.8/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.8/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.6/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.8
Air Quality
7.3
Public Transport
0.6
Education & Culture
5.4
Nightlife & Dining
5.2
Nature & Green Spaces
9.6
Healthcare
6.3
Taxation
2.8
Annual Sunshine
5.0
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

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

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Schwellbrunn achieves a compatibility score of 7.2/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (4.7/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Schwellbrunn excels in Noise (9.8/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.6/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Air Quality (7.3/10) — clean air with low pollutant concentrations.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (0.6/10) — limited public transport connections, Taxation (2.8/10) — a higher tax burden than average.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Kunsthaus KruckerMuseum
Schulhaus SommertalSchool
Schulhaus WeiherSchool

Public Transport

RisiBus Stop
TobelackerBus Stop
SommertalBus Stop
Schwellbrunn DorfBus Stop
EinsiegeleBus Stop
Teufen (Tüfi)Bus Stop
RotschwendiBus Stop
BrisigBus 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 Schwellbrunn 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 Schwellbrunn

What's it like to live in Schwellbrunn? Resident impressions and quality of life
Schwellbrunn excels as a peaceful rural community where natural surroundings define daily life. The commune's weakest dimension is public transport connectivity, scoring just 0.3, making car ownership practically essential. By contrast, environmental quality stands out dramatically: noise levels score 9.8 and nature access reaches 9.6, reflecting pristine countryside with minimal urban disruption. Air quality at 8.0 further reinforces this rural advantage. Meanwhile, educational and dining amenities remain limited, scoring 2.6 and 2.2 respectively, typical for a 1,392-person commune. Healthcare services provide moderate support at 5.8. Schwellbrunn's core tradeoff is clear: residents gain exceptional tranquility and natural beauty while accepting sparse services and transport options—a classic rural-alpine lifestyle suited to those prioritizing environment over urban convenience.
How sunny and clean is the air in Schwellbrunn?
Schwellbrunn excels in air quality with a score of 8.0, reflecting notably clean surroundings in this Appenzell Ausserrhoden commune. By contrast, sunshine is virtually absent, scoring 0, making it one of the least sunny locations in the region. The strong air quality reflects the rural character shared with neighbors Waldstatt, Herisau, and Schönengrund, while the minimal sunshine exposure stems from Schwellbrunn's topography and climate patterns. For those prioritizing fresh air over abundant daylight, this commune offers environmental clarity at the cost of solar exposure.
How well-connected is Schwellbrunn? Transport, schools, dining
Schwellbrunn struggles significantly with transport connectivity, scoring just 0.3 on accessibility. This rural commune in Appenzell Ausserrhoden faces comparable challenges in dining and education, with restaurant options scoring 2.2 and schools scoring 2.6. The limited infrastructure reflects its small population of 1,392 and distance from major urban centers, though it does sit within the St. Gallen agglomeration sphere. Residents seeking robust public transit, diverse dining, and extensive educational facilities will likely need to travel to neighboring Waldstatt, Herisau, or Schönengrund. The tradeoff is clear: Schwellbrunn prioritizes rural character and natural surroundings over urban convenience and commercial services.
What are the neighboring communes of Schwellbrunn and how big is it?
Schwellbrunn is a small commune in Appenzell Ausserrhoden with a population of 1,392 residents. It borders three communes: Waldstatt, Herisau, and Schönengrund. Despite its modest size, Schwellbrunn excels in environmental quality, scoring 9.8 for noise levels and 9.6 for natural surroundings, reflecting its rural character. However, the commune faces notable challenges in transportation access, scoring just 0.3, and education infrastructure at 2.6. This rural Alpine setting offers exceptional peace and natural amenities, but residents must accept limited public transit and service options as the tradeoff for that environmental appeal.
Is Schwellbrunn a tax-friendly municipality?
Schwellbrunn's fiscal attractiveness is limited compared to its environmental strengths. The commune scores 2.8 on tax-friendliness, placing it among less competitive options for tax-conscious residents. By contrast, its noise and nature scores reach 9.8 and 9.6 respectively, reflecting exceptional environmental quality. Education and dining amenities are similarly modest at 2.6 and 2.2, while transport connectivity is notably weak at 0.3. This rural Appenzell Ausserrhoden commune, nestled among Waldstatt, Herisau, and Schönengrund, prioritizes natural setting and quiet living over fiscal incentives—a tradeoff suited to those valuing peace and countryside over financial advantages.

Neighboring communes of Schwellbrunn

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 25 %20–64 years 56.8 %65 and over 18.1 %
Density
89 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+4.3 %
Vacant housing
0.7 %
New dwellings
0.6 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.1 %
Tertiary employment
49.9 %

Land use

Built-up area 5.6 %Agricultural land 59.5 %Forest 34.4 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.3558, 9.2371
BFS Number
3004
Last updated
29 June 2026

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