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

6.4/ 10
Top 25% in SwitzerlandVery good
Population
8,903
Commune type
Town

Living in Embrach, a commune of 8903 inhabitants in Canton Zurich — with an overall score of 6.4/10, this commune is attractive for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Nature & Green Spaces (8.9/10) and Noise (8.1/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
8.1
Air Quality
5.3
Public Transport
3.8
Education & Culture
7.9
Nightlife & Dining
6.2
Nature & Green Spaces
8.9
Healthcare
7.7
Taxation
5.4
Annual Sunshine
4.0
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

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

For families looking to settle in Switzerland, Embrach achieves a compatibility score of 6.7/10. Key strengths for this profile include Education & Culture and Noise. The Young Professional profile (5.8/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Embrach excels in Nature & Green Spaces (8.9/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Noise (8.1/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Education & Culture (7.9/10) — excellent access to schools, libraries, and cultural venues.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (3.8/10) — limited public transport connections, Annual Sunshine (4/10).

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

Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Bibliothek EmbrachLibrary
Primarschulhaus EbnetSchool
Schule des Bundesasylzentrums EmbrachSchool
Kindergarten VorderbächliSchool
Schulhaus Hungerbühl PrimarSchool
Schulhaus Hungerbühl SekundarSchool
Schulhaus Hungerbühl PrimarSchool
Schulhaus Hungerbühl SekundarSchool

Public Transport

Embrach-RorbasTrain Station
Embrach PostBus Stop
Embrach GemeindehausBus Stop
Embrach OberdorfBus Stop
ZürcherstrasseBus Stop
EmbraportBus Stop
IllingerwegBus Stop
Embrach-Rorbas BahnhofBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Zahnarztpraxis ElzerDoctor
Wildbach ApothekeDoctor
DrogerieDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

Frequently asked questions about Embrach

What's it like to live in Embrach? Resident impressions and quality of life
Embrach stands out with an exceptional nature score of 8.9, offering residents abundant access to green spaces and outdoor recreation. The commune also scores strongly on noise levels at 8.1, creating a peaceful residential environment. However, transport connectivity is limited at 2.5, meaning car dependency remains high for commuting. Dining and restaurant options are similarly modest at 2.7. Air quality scores 6.7, providing reasonably clean surroundings, though education facilities score lower at 4.5. Healthcare access is adequate at 6.4, while fiscal conditions are moderate at 5.4. Sunshine exposure is modest at 4. Embrach borders Dättlikon, Luflingen, and Rorbas within the Winterthur agglomeration. This profile suits nature lovers and families seeking tranquility over urban convenience, provided they accept limited public transport and dining variety.
How sunny and clean is the air in Embrach?
Embrach demonstrates a striking nature score of 8.9, reflecting its strong environmental credentials. However, sunshine levels remain modest at 4.0, which may disappoint those seeking abundant daylight. Air quality is moderately favorable at 6.7, supporting outdoor activities without exceptional clarity. Meanwhile, the commune's low transport score of 2.5 means nature enthusiasts must plan access carefully. Dining options are similarly limited at 2.7, though this aligns with Embrach's character as a quieter residential area. The noise level score of 8.1 confirms a peaceful environment. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquility over convenience, particularly those in the Winterthur agglomeration willing to trade connectivity for green space and calm neighbors like Dättlikon and Luflingen.
How well-connected is Embrach? Transport, schools, dining
Embrach's strongest appeal lies in its exceptional nature access, with a nature score of 8.9, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. However, transport connectivity presents a significant challenge, scoring just 2.5—a notable limitation for commuters. Educational facilities are similarly modest at 4.5, suggesting limited local school options. Meanwhile, dining and restaurant amenities score 2.7, indicating sparse gastronomic offerings within the commune itself. The air quality remains respectable at 6.7, supporting a healthy living environment. Located within the Winterthur agglomeration and bordered by Dättlikon, Luflingen, and Rorbas, Embrach functions better as a residential retreat than an urban hub. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees prioritizing tranquility over urban conveniences, though those requiring robust public transit or diverse services may find alternatives more practical.
What are the neighboring communes of Embrach and how big is it?
Embrach is a commune of 8,903 inhabitants in the Zurich canton, situated within the Winterthur agglomeration. Its neighbors are Dättlikon, Luflingen, and Rorbas. The commune stands out for its exceptional nature score of 8.9, reflecting strong environmental quality and outdoor appeal. By contrast, transport connectivity scores just 2.5, indicating limited public transit options. Air quality registers at 6.7, meanwhile noise levels are notably favorable at 8.1. Education and dining facilities score modestly at 4.5 and 2.7 respectively, suggesting reliance on nearby urban centers. Healthcare access remains adequate at 6.4. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees seeking a quieter setting, though those prioritizing urban convenience may find the transport limitations challenging.
Is Embrach a tax-friendly municipality?
Embrach scores 5.4 on fiscal friendliness, placing it in the moderate range rather than among Switzerland's most tax-advantaged communes. The municipality does offer reasonable tax conditions, though it is not positioned as a particularly low-tax destination. By contrast, Embrach excels notably in environmental quality, with an air quality score of 6.7 and an impressive nature score of 8.9, reflecting its attractive landscape shared with neighbors Dättlikon, Luflingen, and Rorbas. Transport accessibility remains limited at 2.5, which may affect commuting convenience for some residents. Those prioritizing natural surroundings and environmental factors over tax optimization will find Embrach particularly appealing, making it well-suited for nature lovers and families seeking a balanced rural setting near Winterthur.

Neighboring communes of Embrach

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 21.7 %20–64 years 61.6 %65 and over 16.7 %
Density
742 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+6.3 %
Vacant housing
1.4 %
New dwellings
5.7 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
4.5 %
Tertiary employment
76 %

Land use

Built-up area 20.4 %Agricultural land 32.7 %Forest 45.2 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Zurich (ZH)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.5092, 8.5971
BFS Number
56
Last updated
29 June 2026

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