Quality of life in Château-d'Oex (Vaud) — scores, review and neighborhoods

5.2/ 10
Average
Population
3,123
Commune type
Village

Living in Château-d'Oex, a commune of 3123 inhabitants in Canton Vaud — with an overall score of 5.2/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.9/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.7/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.9
Air Quality
9.0
Public Transport
0.2
Education & Culture
2.6
Nightlife & Dining
1.8
Nature & Green Spaces
9.7
Healthcare
5.9
Taxation
1.4
Annual Sunshine
6.0
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

Nature
ExcellentTop 10% in Switzerland
mediantop
Retirement
Good
mediantop
Family
Fair
mediantop
Young Professional
Average
mediantop

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Château-d'Oex achieves a compatibility score of 7.5/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (3.7/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Château-d'Oex excels in Noise (9.9/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.7/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Air Quality (9/10) — clean air with low pollutant concentrations.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (0.2/10) — limited public transport connections, Taxation (1.4/10) — a higher tax burden than average, Nightlife & Dining (1.8/10) — limited dining and nightlife options.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Espace BallonMuseum
Cave de l'EtivazMuseum
Musée du Pays-d'EnhautMuseum
Bibliothèque du Pays d'EnhautLibrary
CinédenCinema / Theatre

Public Transport

Château-d'OexTrain Station
Château-d'Oex La PalazTrain Station
Les Granges-GérignozTrain Station
Les CombesTrain Station
Le BourazBus Stop
Devant-de-l'EtivazBus Stop
Four à painBus Stop
Les Vieux BainsBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Hôpital du Pays d'EnhautHospital
B1Doctor
Artisans du Bien ÊtreDoctor
AmavitaDoctor
Dr. Long Le HoangDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

Considering buying property in Château-d'Oex 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 Château-d'Oex

What's it like to live in Château-d'Oex? Resident impressions and quality of life
Château-d'Oex is a small Alpine commune where natural environment and tranquility define everyday life. Education services score critically low at 0.8, and restaurant options are similarly sparse at 0.6, making urban amenities scarce. Yet residents enjoy exceptional environmental quality, with air purity rated 9.3 and noise levels at 9.9. Nature access is outstanding at 9.7, though public transport connectivity remains minimal at 0.1. Healthcare availability sits moderately at 5.6, and sunshine exposure is reasonable at 6. Fiscal conditions are challenging at 1.4. This commune suits nature lovers and those seeking peaceful Alpine living, though families and young professionals may find limited services and connectivity constraining. Neighboring communes Rossinière, Rougemont, and Haut-Intyamon offer similar mountain-village characteristics.
How sunny and clean is the air in Château-d'Oex?
Château-d'Oex excels in environmental quality, with outstanding air purity scoring 9.3 and exceptional noise levels at 9.9. The commune's natural surroundings contribute significantly to these strengths, reflected in its nature score of 9.7. Sunlight exposure is moderate at 6.0, meaning while the location receives reasonable daylight, it isn't exceptionally sunny year-round. Healthcare access scores moderately at 5.6, yet the clean air and quiet atmosphere support well-being. This commune appeals most to nature lovers and retirees seeking pristine mountain air without demanding constant sunshine, particularly those among its neighbors Rossinière, Rougemont, and Haut-Intyamon seeking tranquility.
How well-connected is Château-d'Oex? Transport, schools, dining
Château-d'Oex is a mountain commune with limited urban connectivity despite its Lausanne region location. Public transport infrastructure is minimal, scoring just 0.1, making a personal vehicle essential for most residents. Educational facilities are scarce with a score of 0.8, while dining options remain sparse at 0.6. However, the commune excels in natural environment quality, scoring 9.7 for nature access, and benefits from exceptional air quality at 9.3. Its peaceful setting, with a noise score of 9.9, attracts those seeking mountain tranquility over urban convenience. Healthcare services are moderately available at 5.6. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees who prioritize pristine surroundings over easy access to schools, restaurants, and transit networks.
What are the neighboring communes of Château-d'Oex and how big is it?
Château-d'Oex is a small commune in Vaud with a population of 3,123 residents. It borders three neighbors: Rossinière, Rougemont, and Haut-Intyamon. This Alpine setting delivers exceptional environmental quality, with air purity at 9.3 and noise levels at 9.9, yet public transport connectivity scores only 0.1, reflecting its rural character. Educational amenities and dining options remain limited at 0.8 and 0.6 respectively. Healthcare access is moderate at 5.6, while nature access ranks outstanding at 9.7. The commune suits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquility and clean air, though those dependent on frequent transit or urban services should consider alternatives.
Is Château-d'Oex a tax-friendly municipality?
Château-d'Oex does not rank as a tax-friendly municipality, with a fiscal score of 1.4. This Alpine commune excels in environmental quality, boasting outstanding noise levels at 9.9 and pristine air quality at 9.3, alongside exceptional natural surroundings scoring 9.7. However, its weak healthcare accessibility score of 5.6 reflects limited local medical services. Educational facilities are scarce with a score of 0.8, and public transport connectivity is nearly absent at 0.1, making a personal vehicle essential. Dining and leisure options are minimal at 0.6. The commune receives moderate sunshine at 6.0 hours daily. Nestled among Rossinière, Rougemont, and Haut-Intyamon, Château-d'Oex suits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquility over urban convenience, despite its tax burden.

Neighboring communes of Château-d'Oex

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 20.1 %20–64 years 55.3 %65 and over 24.6 %
Density
30 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+7.0 %
Vacant housing
0.7 %
New dwellings
5.8 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.2 %
Tertiary employment
68.6 %

Land use

Built-up area 2.9 %Agricultural land 44.6 %Forest 36 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Vaud (VD)
Language region
French-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.4503, 7.1306
BFS Number
5841
Last updated
29 June 2026

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