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

4.8/ 10
Average
Population
2,134
Commune type
Village

Living in Urnäsch, a commune of 2134 inhabitants in Canton Appenzell A.Rh. — with an overall score of 4.8/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.8/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.8/10). Its score is below the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.8
Air Quality
7.7
Public Transport
0.4
Education & Culture
3.0
Nightlife & Dining
3.6
Nature & Green Spaces
9.8
Healthcare
4.5
Taxation
2.8
Annual Sunshine
1.9
Cantonal average

Urnäsch's national strengths

Top 25 · Nature & Green Spaces ↗
Per our methodology ↗

Recommended Profiles

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

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Urnäsch achieves a compatibility score of 6.7/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (3.9/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Urnäsch excels in Noise (9.8/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.8/10) — 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 (0.4/10) — limited public transport connections, Annual Sunshine (1.9/10), Taxation (2.8/10) — a higher tax burden than average.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Appenzeller Brauchtumsmuseum UrnäschMuseum
Rosenhügel Heilpädagogisches SchulinternatSchool
Schulhaus SaienSchool

Public Transport

UrnäschTrain Station
ZürchersmühleTrain Station
DürrenbachBus Stop
Sonne ThalBus Stop
HüsliBus Stop
AnkerBus Stop
HofbachBus Stop
RossfallBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Arztpraxis Dr. BodenmannDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

By lifestyle profile

Family
Where to Live in St. Gallen as a Family
Young Professional
Where to Live in St. Gallen as a Young Professional
Retirement
Where to Live in St. Gallen in Retirement
Nature
Where to Live in St. Gallen Close to Nature
Explore the map for more details →

Considering buying property in Urnäsch 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 Urnäsch

What's it like to live in Urnäsch? Resident impressions and quality of life
Urnäsch stands out as a rural commune where exceptional environmental quality defines daily life. With noise levels at 9.8 and nature access equally at 9.8, residents enjoy remarkable tranquility and direct connection to the countryside. Air quality is strong at 8.5, supporting outdoor wellbeing. However, public transport is minimal at 0.2, requiring personal vehicles for mobility. Educational facilities and dining options are limited, scoring 1.7 and 1.3 respectively, reflecting the commune's small size of 2,134 inhabitants. Healthcare services are moderate at 4.6. Situated near the St. Gallen agglomeration and neighboring Schönengrund, Hundwil, and Gonten, Urnäsch offers village living with reasonable regional access. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees prioritizing peace and natural surroundings over urban convenience.
How sunny and clean is the air in Urnäsch?
Urnäsch excels in environmental quality rather than sunshine exposure. The commune achieves an exceptional air quality score of 8.5, reflecting clean, well-preserved air conditions. However, sunshine levels are modest at 1.9, typical for this Alpine region where cloud cover and topography limit daily solar exposure. The outstanding air quality stems partly from Urnäsch's rural character and proximity to nature, supported by a nature score of 9.8. This combination of pristine air and limited sunshine makes the commune particularly suited for nature lovers and those prioritizing environmental health over Mediterranean-style conditions.
How well-connected is Urnäsch? Transport, schools, dining
Urnäsch excels in environmental quality but scores very low on connectivity and urban amenities. The commune achieves exceptional marks for noise levels and natural surroundings, both at 9.8, reflecting its rural, peaceful character. However, public transport connectivity is minimal at 0.2, making a personal vehicle nearly essential. Educational facilities score just 1.7, and dining options are similarly limited at 1.3. Located near the St. Gallen agglomeration alongside neighbors Schönengrund, Hundwil, and Gonten, Urnäsch prioritizes tranquility over convenience. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees seeking countryside living rather than young professionals or families requiring robust schools and services.
What are the neighboring communes of Urnäsch and how big is it?
Urnäsch is a small commune in Appenzell Ausserrhoden with a population of 2,134 residents. It borders three neighbors: Schönengrund, Hundwil, and Gonten. The commune stands out for exceptional environmental quality, with noise and nature scores both reaching 9.8 out of 10, reflecting its peaceful, well-preserved rural character. Air quality is similarly strong at 8.5. However, transport connectivity scores only 0.2, indicating limited public transit options. This profile suits nature lovers and those seeking tranquility over urban convenience, though proximity to the St. Gallen agglomeration provides some accessibility. Urnäsch offers an ideal retreat for those prioritizing environmental wellness and quiet living.
Is Urnäsch a tax-friendly municipality?
Urnäsch is not a tax-friendly municipality, with a fiscal score of only 2.8 out of 10. This places taxation among the commune's weaker dimensions. The municipality's real strengths lie elsewhere: it excels in environmental quality, with outstanding noise pollution and nature scores of 9.8 each, and strong air quality at 8.5. Healthcare services also perform reasonably well at 4.6. Located in the St. Gallen agglomeration between neighbors Schönengrund, Hundwil, and Gonten, Urnäsch appeals most to nature lovers and those prioritizing clean air and peaceful surroundings over tax advantages.

Neighboring communes of Urnäsch

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 22.2 %20–64 years 58.2 %65 and over 19.6 %
Density
47 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+0.1 %
Vacant housing
1.8 %
New dwellings
8.2 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.3 %
Tertiary employment
53.6 %

Land use

Built-up area 3.4 %Agricultural land 53 %Forest 42.1 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.3008, 9.2689
BFS Number
3006
Last updated
29 June 2026

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

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