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

5.9/ 10
Good
Population
4,223
Commune type
Village

Living in Rafz, a commune of 4223 inhabitants in Canton Zurich — with an overall score of 5.9/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.1/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (8.9/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.1
Air Quality
5.4
Public Transport
4.0
Education & Culture
6.0
Nightlife & Dining
4.6
Nature & Green Spaces
8.9
Healthcare
6.5
Taxation
5.4
Annual Sunshine
3.6
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

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

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Rafz achieves a compatibility score of 6.7/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (5.4/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Rafz excels in Noise (9.1/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (8.9/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Healthcare (6.5/10) — excellent access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Annual Sunshine (3.6/10), Public Transport (4/10) — limited public transport connections, Nightlife & Dining (4.6/10) — limited dining and nightlife options.

Explore the map for more details →

Considering buying property in Rafz 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

OrtsmuseumMuseum
Gemeindebibliothek RafzLibrary
Schulhaus GötzeSchool
SchalmenackerSchool

Public Transport

RafzTrain Station
Rafz PostBus Stop
Rafz BahnhofBus Stop
Rafz FriedhofBus Stop
Pflegeheim PeterackerBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Ärztezentrum RafzDoctor

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 Schaffhausen as a Family
Young Professional
Where to Live in Schaffhausen as a Young Professional
Retirement
Where to Live in Schaffhausen in Retirement
Nature
Where to Live in Schaffhausen Close to Nature

Frequently asked questions about Rafz

What's it like to live in Rafz? Resident impressions and quality of life
Rafz distinguishes itself from neighbors like Wil (ZH), Rüdlingen, and Buchberg through notably strong environmental quality. The commune excels in noise management with a 9.1 score and natural surroundings rated at 8.9, reflecting peaceful living conditions. Air quality performs respectably at 7.1, supporting healthy outdoor experiences. By contrast, restaurant and dining options score lower at 1.8, and public transport accessibility lags at 2.6, which may challenge those prioritizing urban convenience. Healthcare services register moderately at 5.8, meanwhile education scores 3.6. For those valuing tranquility and nature over dining variety and transit access, Rafz offers appealing qualities. Explore the interactive map to discover how these dimensions shape daily life here.
How sunny and clean is the air in Rafz?
Rafz stands out from neighbors like Wil (ZH), Rüdlingen, and Buchberg primarily for its air quality, scoring 7.1, which reflects relatively clean environmental conditions. The commune also demonstrates notable strength in noise levels at 9.1, indicating a quiet setting well-suited to those seeking peace. By contrast, sunshine exposure registers at 3.6, suggesting moderate daylight availability compared to sunnier regions. Overall, Rafz offers a compelling combination of low pollution and minimal noise disturbance, making it attractive for residents prioritizing environmental cleanliness and tranquility. Explore the detailed environmental metrics on the map to discover how these factors shape daily life here.
How well-connected is Rafz? Transport, schools, dining
Rafz trails its neighbors Wil, Rüdlingen, and Buchberg in transport connectivity and urban amenities. The commune scores notably low on public transport access at 2.6, reflecting its rural character within the Schaffhausen agglomeration. Education infrastructure also presents constraints, with a score of 3.6, while dining options remain limited at 1.8. By contrast, Rafz excels in environmental quality, boasting strong air quality at 7.1 and exceptional nature access at 8.9. For those prioritizing quietness and green space over urban services, the trade-offs may prove worthwhile. Explore the detailed dimension breakdown on the map to assess whether Rafz aligns with your lifestyle preferences.
What are the neighboring communes of Rafz and how big is it?
Rafz, with a population of 4,223, sits among three neighboring communes: Wil (ZH), Rüdlingen, and Buchberg. Compared to its neighbors, Rafz stands out particularly in environmental quality, scoring 8.9 for nature and 9.1 for low noise pollution. These dimensions reflect a rural character well-suited to residents seeking tranquility and green spaces. Meanwhile, education scores lag at 3.6, suggesting limited local academic infrastructure. The commune balances strong natural amenities with modest urban services. Explore the detailed map to discover how Rafz's strengths and limitations align with your priorities.
Is Rafz a tax-friendly municipality?
Rafz's tax environment sits in the middle range compared to neighbors like Wil (ZH), Rüdlingen, and Buchberg. With a fiscal score of 5.4, it offers moderate tax conditions rather than exceptional advantages. The commune stands out more strongly in environmental quality, scoring 8.9 for nature and 9.1 for noise levels—areas where it genuinely excels. By contrast, education infrastructure lags at 3.6. If tax efficiency is your primary concern, Rafz provides reasonable conditions, though it shouldn't be your sole deciding factor. Explore the detailed scoring dimensions on the map to see how it compares across the full range of municipal qualities.

Neighboring communes of Rafz

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 21 %20–64 years 61.7 %65 and over 17.3 %
Density
436 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+15.8 %
Vacant housing
1.1 %
New dwellings
8.3 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.2 %
Tertiary employment
48.3 %

Land use

Built-up area 16.7 %Agricultural land 50 %Forest 33.2 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Zurich (ZH)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.6138, 8.5436
BFS Number
67
Last updated
29 June 2026

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

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