What is the trend in settlement density?
The qualitative indicator settlement density complements land consumption by establishing a relationship between the number of inhabitants vs. the settlement and transport space. The settlement density provides information about the use of the settlement area and possible savings or densification potentials as well as poor utilisation of infrastructure.
• The settlement density in Germany is approx. 1,900 inhabitants/km² (IOER Monitor, 2016). It has been declining for years (since 2008 by around 6 %).
• It should be noted that the slowdown in the decline in settlement density is mainly due to the growth in population. Immigration plays a major role here.
• On average, each inhabitant has 522 m² of SuV space (in 2008 the value was 500 m²).
Even if the population were to remain steady, the Federal Government’s goal of maintaining constant settlement density can only be achieved if the total SuV area does not grow. This means aiming for a net-zero target in land consumption.
Detailed consideration of settlement density according to city and municipal types of the BBSR
• The settlement density in Germany is approx. 1,900 inhabitants/km² (IOER Monitor, 2016). It has been declining for years (since 2008 by around 6 %).
• It should be noted that the slowdown in the decline in settlement density is mainly due to the growth in population. Immigration plays a major role here.
• On average, each inhabitant has 522 m² of SuV space (in 2008 the value was 500 m²).
