Quality of life in Bournens (Vaud) — scores, review and neighborhoods

5.1/ 10
Average
Population
447
Commune type
Hamlet

Living in Bournens, a commune of 447 inhabitants in Canton Vaud — with an overall score of 5.1/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Nature & Green Spaces (9.6/10) and Annual Sunshine (7.1/10). Its score is below the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
5.8
Air Quality
4.6
Public Transport
0.8
Education & Culture
5.0
Nightlife & Dining
5.1
Nature & Green Spaces
9.6
Healthcare
5.8
Taxation
2.1
Annual Sunshine
7.1
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

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

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Bournens achieves a compatibility score of 6.1/10. 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: Bournens excels in Nature & Green Spaces (9.6/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Annual Sunshine (7.1/10).

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (0.8/10) — limited public transport connections, Taxation (2.1/10) — a higher tax burden than average, Air Quality (4.6/10) — degraded air quality from traffic emissions.

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Key Infrastructure

Public Transport

Bournens, écoleBus Stop
Bournens, Au MontBus 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 Bournens or moving to Canton Vaud? Our interactive map lets you explore quality of life at the neighborhood level and compare with nearby communes.

Frequently asked questions about Bournens

What's it like to live in Bournens? Resident impressions and quality of life
Bournens stands apart from its neighbors Penthaz, Sullens, and Boussens primarily through its exceptional natural environment. The commune scores 9.6 on nature, reflecting abundant green spaces and countryside character that define daily life here. Sunlight exposure is also notably strong at 7.1, contributing to pleasant outdoor conditions year-round. Air quality scores 6.0, supporting a healthy living environment. It is worth noting that public transport connectivity is minimal at 0.4, reflecting Bournens' rural positioning within the Lausanne agglomeration. Education facilities score 2.7, suggesting limited local options. The main tradeoff for residents is clear: Bournens offers a serene, nature-rich setting with good air quality and sunshine, but this comes at the cost of weak transport links and sparse educational infrastructure, making it most suitable for those prioritizing countryside living over urban convenience.
How sunny and clean is the air in Bournens?
Compared to neighbors Penthaz, Sullens, and Boussens, Bournens stands out for its environmental quality. The commune scores particularly well on sunshine, with 7.1 out of 10, offering notably bright conditions year-round. Air quality is similarly strong at 6 out of 10, reflecting relatively clean atmospheric conditions in this rural setting. It is worth noting that noise levels remain moderate at 5.8, suggesting a peaceful environment overall. The main tradeoff is that while Bournens excels in natural and climatic amenities, it lacks proximity to urban services and employment centers, a common characteristic of smaller communes in the Lausanne region.
How well-connected is Bournens? Transport, schools, dining
Compared to its neighbors Penthaz, Sullens, and Boussens, Bournens presents a notably rural profile. The commune's standout strength is its natural environment, scoring 9.6 for nature access—a decisive advantage for those prioritizing green space. Sunshine exposure also rates favorably at 7.1. However, connectivity remains limited. Transport infrastructure scores just 0.4, reflecting the commune's distance from major transit hubs despite its Lausanne agglomeration status. Educational facilities score 2.7, and dining options are sparse at 1.7. It is worth noting that air quality is decent at 6.0. The core tradeoff is clear: Bournens offers exceptional natural appeal and tranquility but demands acceptance of minimal public transport, limited schools, and few restaurants nearby.
What are the neighboring communes of Bournens and how big is it?
Bournens is a small commune in the Lausanne agglomeration with a population of 447 residents, comparable in scale to its neighbors Penthaz, Sullens, and Boussens. It is worth noting that despite its modest size, Bournens stands out for exceptional environmental quality. The commune scores 9.6 for nature access and 7.1 for sunshine, reflecting strong outdoor appeal. However, public transport connectivity remains underdeveloped at 0.4, presenting a clear tradeoff: residents gain proximity to natural spaces and pleasant conditions but sacrifice convenient transit links to larger urban centers.
Is Bournens a tax-friendly municipality?
Compared to its neighbors Penthaz, Sullens, and Boussens, Bournens does not stand out as particularly tax-friendly. The commune scores 2.1 on fiscal attractiveness, which is notably modest. It is worth noting that Bournens' real strengths lie elsewhere: nature access scores exceptionally high at 9.6, while sunshine availability is solid at 7.1. Air quality also performs respectably at 6.0. On the weaker side, transport connectivity scores just 0.4, reflecting limited public transit options. The main tradeoff here is clear—Bournens prioritizes environmental appeal and quality of life over fiscal incentives, making it better suited for those valuing rural character and natural surroundings than for those seeking tax advantages.

Neighboring communes of Bournens

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 26.9 %20–64 years 57.4 %65 and over 15.7 %
Density
107 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+50.0 %
Vacant housing
2.2 %
New dwellings
0.0 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.7 %
Tertiary employment
61 %

Land use

Built-up area 7.5 %Agricultural land 74.8 %Forest 16.2 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Vaud (VD)
Language region
French-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.6085, 6.5605
BFS Number
5472
Last updated
29 June 2026

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