HZ | Knowledge Center for Zeeland Society investigates every four years how residents experience the quality of life in Zeeland and what expectations they have for the future. In the report Life in Zeeland, the researchers outline through seven thematic windows how Zeelanders view living, working, and life in Zeeland. Over 11,000 residents of the province completed the questionnaire. The report was handed over on Monday, March 9, 2026, to Deputy Harry van der Maas, who commissioned the research on behalf of the Province of Zeeland.
The main conclusion of the research? Zeelanders are generally satisfied with their life and life in Zeeland in general. Half of the residents believe that the province is moving in the right direction. The share that does not think so has increased from 19 to 27 percent compared to four years ago.
Residents also give the landscape (8), society (7.5), and economy (7.2) a good score. Peace, space, nature, and community spirit are aspects of living in Zeeland that they appreciate the most. Accessibility, the pressure of tourism on livability, and the availability and affordability of housing are the biggest concerns for Zeelanders. Housing and elderly care are the main priorities for the future.
Seven windows
The researchers from HZ | Knowledge Center for Zeeland Society divided the report into seven windows: Living together and participation, Environment and climate, Facilities and accessibility, Work and career, Signals of vulnerability, Pleasant and safe living, and View on Zeeland: now and later.
A few notable points: regarding pleasant and safe living, Zeelanders are generally very satisfied with their own home and surroundings. A small, but slightly larger group compared to 2021 sometimes feels unsafe, especially in Vlissingen. The share of residents experiencing nuisance in their living environment has also increased. In Noord-Beveland and Veere, residents mainly experience nuisance from tourism. Residents of Borsele, Terneuzen, and Vlissingen more often experience nuisance from noise, odor, dust, and soot from the environment.
Accessibility and facilities
Although residents are generally satisfied with the availability of facilities, such as a supermarket and a general practitioner, this is not the case everywhere. This mainly applies to small villages and medium-sized towns. Residents are least satisfied with the availability of cultural venues, a hospital, and shops. Accessibility is another point of concern. Satisfaction with the availability and affordability of public transport is low and has decreased compared to four years ago. This feeling is especially prevalent in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
In terms of living together and participation, Zeeland stands out positively. The number of informal caregivers and residents helping others in care has increased compared to four years ago. Zeelanders are also more involved in citizen initiatives and regularly attend consultation evenings. In Veere, this involvement is above average. In Middelburg and Vlissingen, this percentage is lower.
With the upcoming municipal elections in mind, trust in politics should be a concern. A small majority has confidence in provincial and local government, but only two out of ten residents have confidence in the House of Representatives. This is even lower than four years ago. On the other hand, a large majority has confidence in other people, the police, and the judiciary. Residents also highly appreciate social cohesion, which is rated more positively than four years ago.
Deputy Harry van der Maas, Province of Zeeland: “It is good to see that many Zeelanders are satisfied with their life and living environment. The peace, space, and strong community spirit make Zeeland special. The research also shows that there are still concerns and wishes, for example regarding the level of facilities in small villages or housing. We must take these signals seriously, and as a Province, we will work on this together with municipalities and the national government.”
HZ | Knowledge Center for Zeeland Society conducts multi-year programmed research commissioned by the Province of Zeeland. One of these is the Life in Zeeland study. This research provides knowledge for policy benefiting the residents of Zeeland. Based on the report, the knowledge center facilitates various discussions with Zeeland authorities.