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Quality of life in Elsau (Zurich) — scores, review and neighborhoods

6.2/ 10
Top 25% in SwitzerlandVery good
Population
3,329
Commune type
Village

Living in Elsau, a commune of 3329 inhabitants in Canton Zurich — with an overall score of 6.2/10, this commune is attractive for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.1/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.1
Air Quality
6.1
Public Transport
2.6
Education & Culture
7.5
Nightlife & Dining
5.8
Nature & Green Spaces
9.0
Healthcare
7.9
Taxation
5.3
Annual Sunshine
2.1
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

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

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Elsau achieves a compatibility score of 6.7/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (5.5/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Elsau excels in Noise (9.1/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Healthcare (7.9/10) — excellent access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Annual Sunshine (2.1/10), Public Transport (2.6/10) — limited public transport connections.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Bibliothek ElsauLibrary
Primarschulhaus SüdSchool
Primarschule ElsauSchool
Oberstufenschule Elsau-SchlattSchool
Pädagogisches Zentrum PestalozzihausSchool
Oberstufenschule Elsau-SchlattSchool
Tagesschule RäterschenSchool

Public Transport

RäterschenTrain Station
SchottikonTrain Station
Elsau DorfBus Stop
BettliBus Stop
PestalozzistrasseBus Stop
TolhusenBus Stop
SportplatzBus Stop
MelcherBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Ärztehaus und Apotheke HofwisMedical Centre
Ärztehaus und Apotheke HofwisDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

By lifestyle profile

Family
Where to Live in Winterthur as a Family
Young Professional
Where to Live in Winterthur as a Young Professional
Retirement
Where to Live in Winterthur in Retirement
Nature
Where to Live in Winterthur Close to Nature
Explore the map for more details →

Considering buying property in Elsau or moving to Canton Zurich? Our interactive map lets you explore quality of life at the neighborhood level and compare with nearby communes.

Frequently asked questions about Elsau

What's it like to live in Elsau? Resident impressions and quality of life
Elsau stands out for its exceptional noise levels, scoring 9.1 out of 10—a hallmark of peaceful suburban living. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the strong nature score of 9, reflecting the commune's green surroundings and proximity to natural areas. Air quality rates at 6.9, supporting a healthy environment overall. Yet transportation connectivity presents a notable challenge with a score of just 1.5, suggesting limited public transit options. Educational facilities score 4.2, while dining variety remains modest at 2.4. Located in the Winterthur agglomeration and bordered by Wiesendangen, Schlatt, and Elgg, Elsau offers a tranquil setting for those prioritizing quietness and natural surroundings. Explore the detailed scores on VivaMap to understand how each dimension aligns with your lifestyle preferences.
How sunny and clean is the air in Elsau?
Elsau boasts exceptional air quality with a score of 6.9, reflecting relatively clean conditions in this small Zurich commune. However, sunshine is considerably limited, scoring just 2.1, meaning overcast skies dominate throughout the year. The commune's real strength lies elsewhere—nature scores an impressive 9, offering residents abundant green spaces and outdoor character. Located in the Winterthur agglomeration alongside neighbors Wiesendangen, Schlatt, and Elgg, Elsau balances environmental quality with typical Swiss valley weather patterns. Explore the detailed air and climate data on the map to understand how these factors shape daily life here.
How well-connected is Elsau? Transport, schools, dining
Elsau's air quality stands out at 6.9, yet connectivity presents challenges. Transport accessibility scores just 1.5, reflecting limited public transit options typical of smaller communes in the Winterthur agglomeration. Education opportunities are modest at 4.2, while dining options remain sparse with a score of 2.4. The commune's strongest assets lie elsewhere: nature reaches 9 and noise levels score 9.1, indicating a tranquil rural setting. Neighbors including Wiesendangen, Schlatt, and Elgg offer potential for cross-commune services. Explore the detailed map to understand how these dimensions shape life in this quieter area.
What are the neighboring communes of Elsau and how big is it?
Elsau is a small commune in Zurich's Winterthur agglomeration with a population of 3,329 residents. It borders three neighbors: Wiesendangen, Schlatt (ZH), and Elgg. The commune stands out for its exceptional noise control, scoring 9.1, and equally strong natural environment at 9, reflecting its rural character. Transport connectivity is notably limited at 1.5, a common trade-off in quieter areas. Air quality and healthcare services score modestly at 6.9 and 6.8 respectively. Explore the detailed profile on the map to discover how Elsau compares with its neighbors and the broader region.
Is Elsau a tax-friendly municipality?
Elsau's fiscal environment scores 5.3, positioning it as a moderately competitive option rather than a distinctly tax-advantaged municipality. The commune's strongest attributes lie elsewhere: noise levels score 9.1 and natural surroundings score 9, reflecting its appeal as a peaceful, nature-rich location. Education and healthcare are more modest at 4.2 and 6.8 respectively. While Elsau's fiscal profile is reasonable, it does not stand out dramatically compared to other Zurich communes. For precise tax comparisons with neighbors like Wiesendangen, Schlatt, and Elgg, explore the detailed scoring on the map to inform your decision.

Neighboring communes of Elsau

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 22 %20–64 years 59.4 %65 and over 18.6 %
Density
452 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+9.6 %
Vacant housing
1 %
New dwellings
0.8 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
2.8 %
Tertiary employment
61.6 %

Land use

Built-up area 18.9 %Agricultural land 55.8 %Forest 24.6 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Zurich (ZH)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.5039, 8.8108
BFS Number
219
Last updated
17 July 2026

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

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