Quality of life in Saint-Martin (VS) (Valais) — scores, review and neighborhoods

5.4/ 10
Fair
Population
920
Commune type
Hamlet

Living in Saint-Martin (VS), a commune of 920 inhabitants in Canton Valais — with an overall score of 5.4/10, 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
9.2
Public Transport
0.8
Education & Culture
2.8
Nightlife & Dining
1.2
Nature & Green Spaces
9.6
Healthcare
4.5
Taxation
4.4
Annual Sunshine
6.6
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

Nature
ExcellentTop 5% in Switzerland
mediantop
Retirement
Good
mediantop
Family
Fair
mediantop
Young Professional
Fair
mediantop

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Saint-Martin (VS) achieves a compatibility score of 7.7/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (4.2/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Saint-Martin (VS) 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 (9.2/10) — clean air with low pollutant concentrations.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (0.8/10) — limited public transport connections, Nightlife & Dining (1.2/10) — limited dining and nightlife options, Education & Culture (2.8/10) — limited educational and cultural infrastructure.

Thinking of selling your property here?An established local broker will contact you for a first conversation — free and with no obligation.
Get connected →

We'll connect you with BetterHomes

Some partner links (mortgages, relocation) earn VivaMap a commission. This never influences our scores or rankings. How VivaMap is funded

Key Infrastructure

Public Transport

Eison, FellinyBus Stop
Eison, villageBus Stop
Saint-Martin VS, LiezBus Stop
Eison, ProvericBus Stop
Euseigne, RitzéBus Stop
Praz-Jean VS, villageBus Stop
Trogne, d'EnhautBus Stop
Praz-Jean VS, Stand MourtyBus 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 Saint-Martin (VS) or moving to Canton Valais? Our interactive map lets you explore quality of life at the neighborhood level and compare with nearby communes.

Frequently asked questions about Saint-Martin (VS)

What's it like to live in Saint-Martin (VS)? Resident impressions and quality of life
Saint-Martin stands out for exceptional environmental quality, scoring 9.8 for noise levels and 9.6 for nature access, making it remarkably peaceful and green. Air quality ranks equally high at 9.3, reflecting its pristine Alpine setting. However, public transport connectivity is severely limited at 0.4, requiring car dependency for most residents. Educational facilities and dining options are similarly scarce, both scoring 0.4. Healthcare access is moderate at 4.6, meanwhile tax efficiency rates at 4.4. The commune benefits from solid sunshine at 6.6, ideal for outdoor living. Located between neighbors Mont-Noble, Vex, and Hérémence near Sion agglomeration, this 920-resident village suits nature lovers and those seeking tranquil, car-reliant Alpine living over urban convenience.
How sunny and clean is the air in Saint-Martin (VS)?
Saint-Martin stands out for exceptional environmental quality. Air purity reaches 9.3 out of 10, reflecting pristine mountain conditions that define this small commune of 920 residents. Sunshine is also strong at 6.6 out of 10, providing reliable daylight throughout the year. Meanwhile, the noise environment is outstanding at 9.8, and nature access scores 9.6, making the commune remarkably tranquil. By contrast, public transport connectivity remains limited at 0.4, reflecting its rural Alpine setting near Sion. Healthcare availability is moderate at 4.6. This profile suits nature lovers and those seeking clean air and quiet above urban convenience.
How well-connected is Saint-Martin (VS)? Transport, schools, dining
Saint-Martin stands out for its exceptional environmental quality, with air purity at 9.3 and noise levels at 9.8, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility. However, connectivity poses significant challenges: public transport scores just 0.4, severely limiting commuting options. Educational facilities are similarly sparse at 0.8, by contrast, while dining and restaurant access reaches only 0.4. The commune's nature access remains outstanding at 9.6, though this doesn't offset limited urban services. Healthcare availability is moderate at 4.6. Saint-Martin's three neighbors—Mont-Noble, Vex, and Hérémence—offer little additional amenities. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees seeking peaceful, car-dependent living rather than young professionals or families requiring schools and services.
What are the neighboring communes of Saint-Martin (VS) and how big is it?
Saint-Martin is a small commune in Valais with 920 residents, nestled within the Sion agglomeration. Its neighbors are Mont-Noble, Vex, and Hérémence, anchoring it in the regional network of the upper Rhône valley. The commune excels in environmental quality, with exceptional noise levels at 9.8 and natural surroundings at 9.6, making it ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquility. Meanwhile, it faces notable limitations in transport connectivity at 0.4 and educational services at 0.8, reflecting its rural character. Healthcare access scores moderately at 4.6, while fiscal conditions remain average. The population size and modest infrastructure suggest this commune appeals primarily to nature lovers and retirees prioritizing clean air and peaceful landscapes over urban convenience.
Is Saint-Martin (VS) a tax-friendly municipality?
Saint-Martin is moderately positioned on taxation, with a fiscal score of 4.4 out of 10. This places it slightly below the midpoint for tax-friendliness in the Swiss context. The commune excels dramatically in environmental quality, boasting outstanding noise pollution and air quality scores of 9.8 and 9.3 respectively, alongside exceptional nature accessibility at 9.6. However, infrastructure and services remain limited, with transport and restaurant amenities scoring just 0.4. Healthcare access is likewise constrained at 4.6. Located in the Sion agglomeration with around 920 residents, Saint-Martin offers a quiet, pristine mountain setting rather than tax advantages. The municipality's profile best suits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquility over fiscal optimization, while those prioritizing lower tax burdens should explore alternatives.

Neighboring communes of Saint-Martin (VS)

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 15.9 %20–64 years 53.6 %65 and over 30.5 %
Density
23 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
-5.8 %
Vacant housing
2.8 %
New dwellings
14.5 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.1 %
Tertiary employment
58.9 %

Land use

Built-up area 2.5 %Agricultural land 31.2 %Forest 46.2 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Valais (VS)
Language region
French-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.1512, 7.4642
BFS Number
6087
Last updated
29 June 2026

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