Quality of life in Gossau (SG) (St. Gallen) — scores, review and neighborhoods

5.9/ 10
Good
Population
17,484
Commune type
Town

Living in Gossau (SG), a commune of 17484 inhabitants in Canton St. Gallen — with an overall score of 5.9/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Nature & Green Spaces (8.5/10) and Healthcare (7.9/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
6.8
Air Quality
5.7
Public Transport
4.0
Education & Culture
6.8
Nightlife & Dining
6.0
Nature & Green Spaces
8.5
Healthcare
7.9
Taxation
4.1
Annual Sunshine
3.7
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

Young Professional
Very goodTop 25% in Switzerland
mediantop
Family
Good
mediantop
Retirement
Fair
mediantop
Nature
Average
mediantop

For families looking to settle in Switzerland, Gossau (SG) achieves a compatibility score of 6.2/10. Key strengths for this profile include Education & Culture and Noise. The Young Professional profile (5.5/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Gossau (SG) excels in Nature & Green Spaces (8.5/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Healthcare (7.9/10) — excellent access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals, Noise (6.8/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Annual Sunshine (3.7/10), Public Transport (4/10) — limited public transport connections, Taxation (4.1/10) — a higher tax burden than average.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Stadtbibliothek GossauLibrary
medienverbund.phsgLibrary
Gymnasium FriedbergSchool
Gymnasium FriedbergSchool
Malatelier Marianna CaruzzoSchool
LindenbergSchool
Primarschule NotkerSchool
Musikschule Fürstenland - MusikschulzentrumSchool

Public Transport

GossauTrain Station
ArneggTrain Station
Gossau ABTrain Station
Migros-MarktBus Stop
GerbhofBus Stop
HofeggBus Stop
HerisauerstrasseBus Stop
FalkenstrasseBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Ärztehaus GossauMedical Centre
HNO Thürlimann + Niederer-WüstDoctor
Apotheke in Gossau AGDoctor
Komplementärmedizin Susanne Inauen-BenzingerDoctor
Sonnen DrogerieDoctor
Säntis-ApothekeDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

Considering buying property in Gossau (SG) or moving to Canton St. Gallen? Our interactive map lets you explore quality of life at the neighborhood level and compare with nearby communes.

Frequently asked questions about Gossau (SG)

What's it like to live in Gossau (SG)? Resident impressions and quality of life
While Gossau (SG) shares the St. Gallen agglomeration with neighbors like Andwil, Flawil, and Niederbüren, it distinguishes itself through notably strong environmental qualities. Its nature score of 8.5 and air quality rating of 6.8 create appealing outdoor living conditions, though transport connectivity scores just 2.6, limiting ease of commuting. Health services reach 6.9, supporting resident wellness, yet educational facilities score 4.3, suggesting moderate academic resources. Noise levels remain manageable at 6.8, though dining and restaurant options are similarly modest at 2.6. For a community of 17,484 residents, Gossau offers a quieter lifestyle anchored in natural surroundings, balanced against fewer urban conveniences. Explore the detailed scorecard on the map to discover what resonates most with your priorities.
How sunny and clean is the air in Gossau (SG)?
Gossau differs from its neighbors Andwil, Flawil, and Niederbüren in several ways when it comes to environmental quality. Air quality here scores a respectable 6.8, reflecting reasonably clean conditions throughout the year. Yet sunshine exposure is more modest at 3.7, meaning residents experience fewer bright days compared to sunnier regions. Noise pollution remains manageable at 6.8, contributing to overall environmental comfort. However, the real standout is nature access, which scores an impressive 8.5—among the commune's strongest attributes. This means while daylight hours may be limited, the surrounding green spaces offer substantial recreational value. Explore the detailed environmental metrics on the map to understand how these factors shape daily life in Gossau.
How well-connected is Gossau (SG)? Transport, schools, dining
Compared to its neighbors Andwil, Flawil, and Niederbüren, Gossau presents a mixed connectivity profile. The commune excels in nature access with a strong score of 8.5, reflecting its proximity to green spaces and outdoor recreation. However, transport connectivity lags significantly at 2.6, suggesting limited public transit options and fewer connections to surrounding areas. Educational facilities score modestly at 4.3, indicating adequate but not exceptional schooling resources. The dining scene similarly scores 2.6, pointing to limited restaurant and food service variety within the commune. Healthcare services perform better at 6.9, supporting resident wellbeing despite transport constraints. For a detailed breakdown of what these scores mean for daily life in Gossau, explore the interactive map to discover specific amenities and infrastructure.
What are the neighboring communes of Gossau (SG) and how big is it?
Gossau (SG) is a mid-sized commune of 17,484 inhabitants, notably larger than its neighbors Andwil (SG), Flawil, and Niederbüren. It excels in nature quality with a score of 8.5, reflecting strong environmental conditions across the region. However, its transport accessibility scores only 2.6, presenting a notable limitation for commuters. The air quality remains solid at 6.8, yet educational facilities score modestly at 4.3. Health services perform well at 6.9, though dining and restaurant options are similarly limited at 2.6. Situated within the St. Gallen agglomeration, Gossau balances natural appeal with infrastructure challenges. Explore the detailed scores and map features to better understand how this commune compares to its neighbors.
Is Gossau (SG) a tax-friendly municipality?
Compared to its neighbors Andwil, Flawil, and Niederbüren, Gossau shows moderate fiscal characteristics. With a tax score of 4.1, it ranks middling among regional peers—neither particularly advantageous nor burdensome for residents. The commune compensates with strong environmental assets, notably a nature score of 8.5, suggesting accessible green spaces and outdoor recreation. Yet transport connectivity scores lower at 2.6, which may influence overall cost-of-living considerations. Health services perform reasonably well at 6.9, while education and dining options remain below average. For families or retirees weighing fiscal impact alongside lifestyle factors, understanding Gossau's full profile requires exploring how these interconnected scores align with your priorities on the map.

Neighboring communes of Gossau (SG)

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 19.2 %20–64 years 60.5 %65 and over 20.3 %
Density
658 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+1.9 %
Vacant housing
3.2 %
New dwellings
5.2 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.3 %
Tertiary employment
65.4 %

Land use

Built-up area 21.9 %Agricultural land 60.6 %Forest 16.2 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
St. Gallen (SG)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.4238, 9.2546
BFS Number
3443
Last updated
29 June 2026

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