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

5.6/ 10
Good
Population
1,216
Commune type
Village

Living in Rheinau, a commune of 1216 inhabitants in Canton Zurich — with an overall score of 5.6/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Nature & Green Spaces (9.4/10) and Noise (9.3/10). Its score is below the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.3
Air Quality
5.2
Public Transport
0.6
Education & Culture
5.2
Nightlife & Dining
3.6
Nature & Green Spaces
9.4
Healthcare
8.5
Taxation
5.4
Annual Sunshine
3.6
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

Retirement
Good
mediantop
Family
Good
mediantop
Young Professional
Fair
mediantop
Nature
Fair
mediantop

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Rheinau achieves a compatibility score of 6.7/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (4.5/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Rheinau excels in Nature & Green Spaces (9.4/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Noise (9.3/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Healthcare (8.5/10) — excellent access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (0.6/10) — limited public transport connections, Annual Sunshine (3.6/10), Nightlife & Dining (3.6/10) — limited dining and nightlife options.

Explore the map for more details →

Considering buying property in Rheinau 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 RheinauLibrary
Genossenschaft Biodynamische Ausbildung SchweizSchool
Primarschule RheinauSchool

Public Transport

GalgenbuckBus Stop
Psychiatrische UniklinikBus Stop
Rheinau UnterstadtBus Stop
SchulplatzBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Zentrum für Stationäre Forensische Therapie und Zentrum für Integrative PsychiatrieHospital
Zentrum für Integrative PsychiatrieMedical Centre
Praxisgemeinschaft Rheinau-UhwiesenDoctor

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 Rheinau

What's it like to live in Rheinau? Resident impressions and quality of life
Rheinau stands out for exceptional environmental quality, with a nature score of 9.4 and noise levels at 9.3, reflecting a tranquil rural setting near the Rhine Valley. However, public transport connectivity is severely limited at 0.3, making a car essential for most residents. Education and dining options are also modest, scoring 2.4 and 1.2 respectively. Healthcare services are well-regarded at 7.5, and air quality is solid at 7.1, supporting a healthy lifestyle. The small commune of 1,216 residents borders Marthalen, Dachsen, and Benken, offering a close-knit community atmosphere. Rheinau suits nature lovers and retirees seeking peace and clean surroundings, though those dependent on public transit should consider alternatives.
How sunny and clean is the air in Rheinau?
Rheinau boasts a striking nature score of 9.4, reflecting its pristine environmental quality. Air quality scores an excellent 7.1, supporting clean breathing conditions throughout the commune. By contrast, sunshine exposure rates only 3.6, indicating limited annual sun hours despite the strong air purity. Health services score 7.5, complementing the favorable environmental conditions. The commune's weak transport connectivity at 0.3 underscores its rural, nature-focused character. Rheinau's combination of clean air and natural surroundings makes it particularly suited for nature lovers and those prioritizing environmental wellness, though prospective residents should expect less frequent sunny days than sunnier Swiss locations.
How well-connected is Rheinau? Transport, schools, dining
Rheinau's transport infrastructure scores just 0.3, presenting a significant connectivity challenge for residents relying on public transit. Education and dining options similarly lag, with scores of 2.4 and 1.2 respectively, indicating limited amenities in these categories. By contrast, the commune excels in nature access at 9.4 and air quality at 7.1, alongside solid healthcare provision at 7.5. Located in the Zurich canton near neighbors Marthalen, Dachsen, and Benken, Rheinau remains relatively isolated in terms of services and mobility. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquility over urban convenience, though those prioritizing schools and restaurants should consider more connected alternatives.
What are the neighboring communes of Rheinau and how big is it?
Rheinau's nature score of 9.4 reflects its appeal as a small commune with just 1,216 residents. The municipality borders three neighbors: Marthalen, Dachsen, and Benken (ZH). While education scores modestly at 2.4, the commune excels in environmental quality, with air quality at 7.1 and health services at 7.5. By contrast, transport connectivity remains limited at 0.3, and dining options are sparse at 1.2. This rural character, combined with strong nature and environmental performance, makes Rheinau most suitable for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet, sparsely populated setting away from urban centers.
Is Rheinau a tax-friendly municipality?
Rheinau's nature score reaches 9.4, making it exceptionally strong for outdoor enthusiasts, yet its tax-friendliness is moderate at 5.4. The municipality struggles most with transport connectivity, scoring only 0.3, and education access is similarly limited at 2.4. Healthcare services fare better at 7.5, while air quality is solid at 7.1. Regarding taxation specifically, Rheinau sits in the middle range compared to other Swiss communes, offering neither pronounced tax advantages nor disadvantages. This small commune of 1,216 residents suits nature lovers and retirees seeking peaceful surroundings over those prioritizing urban amenities or low-tax settings.

Neighboring communes of Rheinau

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 17.9 %20–64 years 61.6 %65 and over 20.6 %
Density
147 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+1.1 %
Vacant housing
2.2 %
New dwellings
6.2 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.4 %
Tertiary employment
90.6 %

Land use

Built-up area 11.6 %Agricultural land 26.2 %Forest 54.9 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Zurich (ZH)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.6285, 8.6171
BFS Number
38
Last updated
29 June 2026

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

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