Much is going well in Utrecht…
Utrecht grew last year by 2,361 inhabitants to a total of 376,735 inhabitants at the beginning of 2025: the population grew less rapidly than in previous years. We see more sustainable energy use and an improvement in air quality: 12% of electricity use was generated renewably in 2023. In 2024, more than a third (38%) of Utrecht roofs were covered with solar panels. The regional economy is among the fast growers in the Netherlands. The number of hotel guests and cultural visitors has increased. Compared to other large cities, Utrecht has a low unemployment rate: only 4.3% of the labor force is unemployed. In 2024, total crime decreased slightly by 1%, and scores for social cohesion and personal well-being have been stable for years.

...but concerning developments are also continuing
However, there are also developments that require attention. The number of Utrechters with an income below the Utrecht poverty line (125% of the social minimum) and especially those with a welfare benefit is increasing. The mental health of young adults, although stabilized after corona, remains a concern. In 2024, the number of police registrations of disturbances increased by 3%, and especially the number of reports of disturbances by individuals with misunderstood behavior rose (+14%). The number of discrimination reports is increasing, and polarization is a stress factor among members of the Utrecht Residents Panel. The electricity grid is full, which hinders the establishment of new businesses, new housing construction, and sustainability. Fewer homes have been added than planned, and we see significant price increases in owner-occupied homes and rental increases.

Divisions in the city

Many Utrechters are doing well, and the majority live in good health. However, we observe, as does the Social and Cultural Planning Office (SCP), clear persistent differences between neighborhoods and districts. But also between education levels, age, and migration background. For example, trust in politics and income situations vary greatly by neighborhood and group. The chances of finding a home are unequal.

A new publication on divisions in Utrecht will be released in May, in which we will delve deeper into these differences in the city.

The Utrecht Monitor shows that Utrecht is a city where many people are healthy and happy, with high employment and strong trust in each other. But we also see the significant inequality between neighborhoods and groups. Our extra attention will continue to focus on people and neighborhoods that need it. Thus Rachel Streefland (Alderman Personnel & Organization).

About the Utrecht Monitor

The Utrecht Monitor is a product of the Research & Advice department of the municipality of Utrecht. In the monitor, we compile information from various sources, such as the Residents Panel, municipal and national registrations. The biennial Resident Survey is our main source regarding what Utrechters think of the city. This was not conducted in 2024. Outcomes from other research reports are also used, allowing us to explain Utrecht developments and compare them with other municipalities. This Utrecht Monitor contains the latest figures for 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. Many of these figures can also be found in the online database Utrecht in Figures.