The overwhelming majority of the population enjoy living in Zurich, feel safe and well represented by the authorities. As in previous years, the majority of people rate quality of life as high to very high. This is the result of the 2021 population survey.

The results of the eleventh population survey came about under special conditions, as various measures to contain the coronavirus were in place during the survey period (between February and May 2021). Nevertheless, from the point of view of the City of Zurich, the results are largely positive.

The focus this year is on urban development and transport. The results show: 80 percent of Zurich residents are of the opinion that the city of Zurich has developed in a positive direction. Satisfaction with public transport remains high. The residents continue to use public transport most frequently – even though, due to the pandemic, their use was less intensive in 2021 than in previous years.

Random sample

At the same time, when asked about the current biggest problems in the city of Zurich, they most frequently mentioned traffic (48%). From the point of view of the city of Zurich’s population, the second biggest problem is the scarce, inexpensive living space (37%). The corona pandemic (10%) follows a long way behind in third place. The city of Zurich has been carrying out the population survey since 1999, and in 2021 for the eleventh time. A random sample of people who have lived in the city for at least a year and are at least 18 years old is interviewed. The questionnaire contains an unchanged part that enables developments to be depicted and comparisons to be made. This involves different assessments of Zurich as a place to live and live, as well as the assessment of politics and administration. A variable part of the questionnaire deals with a changing main topic. In 2021, it will be about urban development and transport issues. The population survey was carried out online and on paper for the second time in 2021. (pd.)