Air Quality in Basel: best neighborhoods and areas

Air Quality blends three major pollutants: NO₂, PM2.5 and PM10. Immissions are mapped by the NABEL network and FOEN, referenced to WHO 2021 thresholds. A high score means cleaner air.

On this criterion, the Basel area underperforms. The average score of 5.2/10, computed across 59 communes, sits below the national average (6.3/10). Scores span from 2/10 to 7.2/10 across the communes analysed.

The standard deviation of 0.9 signals moderate variation between communes, enough to warrant a careful comparison.

Geographic Patterns and Contrasts

The spread between the top-ranked commune (7.2/10) and the weakest (2/10) reaches 5.2 points. The agglomeration offers contrasting profiles without marked homogeneity.

Top-ranked communes typically benefit from several convergent factors (location, long-standing infrastructure, geographic exposure); the weakest often compound structural disadvantages. The interactive map makes these spatial clusters visible at a glance.

Who Weighs This Criterion Most

Among the four VivaMap profiles, the Nature profile weights this criterion most heavily (weight 95 out of 100). The other profiles apply the following weights: Retirement (weight 90), Family (weight 80), Young Professional (weight 40).

Practically, a high Air Quality score carries significant impact on the ranking for the Nature profile, whereas it matters less for a profile that de-emphasises this criterion. This explains why the same commune can lead one ranking and fall mid-pack in another.

Comparison Across Swiss Agglomerations

Among the 21 major Swiss agglomerations analysed by VivaMap, Basel lands in last place for Air Quality — rank 19/21 (ahead of 14% of the agglomerations).

Its immediate neighbours in the ranking are Aarau-Olten (rank 18) and Geneva (rank 20). This context helps calibrate absolute scores: an agglomeration that looks average in isolation can sit well among its peers, and vice versa.

Key Takeaway

To prioritise Air Quality in the Basel area, Burg im Leimental (BL) leads with 7.2/10. Explore the interactive map to compare communes in real time, adjust weights to your profile, and see variation at the neighbourhood scale. See the national Air Quality page for the full ranking and methodology.