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

6.4/ 10
Top 25% in SwitzerlandVery good
Population
1,731
Commune type
Village

Living in Waldstatt, a commune of 1731 inhabitants in Canton Appenzell A.Rh. — with an overall score of 6.4/10, this commune is attractive for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (10/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.4/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
10.0
Air Quality
6.9
Public Transport
3.9
Education & Culture
7.1
Nightlife & Dining
6.5
Nature & Green Spaces
9.4
Healthcare
7.6
Taxation
3.4
Annual Sunshine
3.1
Cantonal average

Waldstatt's national strengths

#1 in Switzerland · Noise ↗
Per our methodology ↗

Recommended Profiles

Family
ExcellentTop 10% in Switzerland
mediantop
Retirement
Very goodTop 25% in Switzerland
mediantop
Young Professional
Very goodTop 25% in Switzerland
mediantop
Nature
Very goodTop 25% in Switzerland
mediantop

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Waldstatt achieves a compatibility score of 7.2/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (5.8/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Waldstatt excels in Noise (10/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.4/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Healthcare (7.6/10) — excellent access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Annual Sunshine (3.1/10), Taxation (3.4/10) — a higher tax burden than average, Public Transport (3.9/10) — limited public transport connections.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Primarschule und OberstufeSchool
Schule WaldstattSchool

Public Transport

WaldstattTrain Station
Waldstatt DorfBus Stop
HirschenkreuzungBus Stop
AuerhofBus Stop
WinkfeldBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

AppenzellerzahnarztDoctor

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 Waldstatt 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 Waldstatt

What's it like to live in Waldstatt? Resident impressions and quality of life
Waldstatt stands out for exceptional noise levels, scoring 10 in tranquility—a remarkable asset for peaceful living. The commune also excels in nature access with a 9.4 score, offering residents abundant outdoor opportunities. Air quality rates well at 7.7, yet public transport connectivity is limited at 2.5, making car dependency likely for many residents. Healthcare services score 6.6, providing adequate medical access, though educational facilities lag at 3.7. Dining and leisure options are sparse at 2.9, and tax conditions are modest at 3.4. Waldstatt presents a fundamental tradeoff: those seeking serene countryside living with strong natural surroundings will thrive here, but residents prioritizing urban convenience and diverse amenities may find the rural setting restrictive.
How sunny and clean is the air in Waldstatt?
Waldstatt excels with remarkably low noise pollution, scoring 10 for tranquility. Air quality is notably strong at 7.7, reflecting relatively clean conditions. Sunshine exposure, however, is limited at 3.1, placing the commune among less sunny locations. The area benefits from its natural surroundings, with a nature score of 9.4, yet this verdant landscape contributes to reduced solar exposure. Overall, Waldstatt presents an interesting tradeoff: residents gain clean air and peaceful quietness, though they sacrifice abundant sunshine—a typical characteristic of valleys and forested regions in northeastern Switzerland.
How well-connected is Waldstatt? Transport, schools, dining
Waldstatt excels with a noise score of 10, reflecting a peaceful rural setting. However, transport connectivity is notably limited at 2.5, making car dependency a significant challenge for residents. Educational facilities score 3.7, indicating modest options locally. Dining establishments are similarly sparse at 2.9, yet the commune benefits from proximity to larger centers like Herisau, Schwellbrunn, and Stein. This small commune of 1,731 inhabitants represents a tradeoff between exceptional environmental quality and limited urban amenities—ideal for those prioritizing tranquility over convenient access to services.
What are the neighboring communes of Waldstatt and how big is it?
Waldstatt is a small commune in Appenzell Ausserrhoden with a population of 1,731 residents. Its three neighboring communes are Herisau, Schwellbrunn, and Stein (AR). Despite its modest size, Waldstatt excels in noise levels, scoring 10 for acoustic environment, and maintains strong natural surroundings with a nature score of 9.4. However, public transport connectivity remains limited at 2.5, and educational facilities score just 3.7. The commune presents a characteristic tradeoff between exceptional environmental quality and tranquility on one hand, and limited infrastructure and service accessibility on the other.
Is Waldstatt a tax-friendly municipality?
Waldstatt excels in noise reduction with a score of 10, yet its tax-friendliness tells a different story. The municipality scores 3.4 on fiscal taxation, positioning it as moderately unfavorable for those prioritizing low tax burdens. Nature lovers will appreciate the strong environmental quality at 9.4, however the limited dining and transport options score just 2.9 and 2.5 respectively. Air quality remains decent at 7.7, yet education facilities lag behind at 3.7. Waldstatt presents a clear tradeoff: outstanding environmental and acoustic conditions come at the cost of higher taxation and fewer urban amenities, making it appealing primarily to those valuing peace and nature over financial incentives.

Neighboring communes of Waldstatt

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 22.1 %20–64 years 57.3 %65 and over 20.6 %
Density
269 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+2.5 %
Vacant housing
0.6 %
New dwellings
2.2 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.5 %
Tertiary employment
35.1 %

Land use

Built-up area 12.3 %Agricultural land 60.5 %Forest 26.3 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.3608, 9.2836
BFS Number
3007
Last updated
29 June 2026

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

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