Basic Parameters
The general situation in Leipzig has fundamentally changed since the first Urban Development Concept in 2009, especially regarding socio-demographic and economic aspects. A phase of strong growth began in 2012 with the population increasing by over 10,000 annually. This growth is accounted for by the high quality of life in Leipzig and the above-average development of employment.
Another significant increase in population is predicted between now and 2030. Given forecasting uncertainties, INSEK Leipzig 2030 focuses on an urban structure which is adaptable in response to changing development trends.
Leipzig is growing mainly due to inward migration, and also because of the positive birth rate since 2014 (which has increased by 25 percent since 2009). Interestingly, the strong demographic development was preceded by the development of Leipzig's economy. This is partly evidenced by the annual increase in employment since 2006 of around 3 percent. As a result, unemployment has more than halved while the socioeconomic situation of Leipzig's residents has improved across the board.
These dynamic changes have brought about changes to population development, the age structure and the socioeconomic situation almost everywhere in the city, albeit to varying degrees. In some areas, the population grew by over 40 to 50 percent between 2009 and 2016, while in others the population stabilized. There are also districts where more attention needs to be paid to social development.
Despite major development steps, Leipzig still has a long way to go to catch up with other cities, such as regarding its economic muscle and trade tax revenues as well as levels of school dropouts and income poverty.
According to the population forecast of 2016, by 2030 Leipzig could have a population of as many as 720,000. This would require 78,000 additional homes, 70 more schools and 13,000 new preschool places. On the following pages, data are presented on the basic parameters - the basis of the INSEK Integrated Urban Development Concept for Leipzig 2030.
Population and housing
Development of rental prices 2012-2016 / asking rent
In return for a monthly rent of €360 excluding heating costs, new tenants received on average of 70 squarmeters in 2012 and 59 squaremeters in 2016. The asking rent (for new lettings) rose by 21 percent - faster than the average monthly household income.
Economy and employment
Gross domestic product (GDP) per person in employment 2009 and 2016
Although labour productivity measuredas GDP per employee rose faster in Leipzig (from 46,813 in 2009 to 59,461 in 2015) than elsewhere in Saxony (from 46,402 in 2009 to 56,379 in 2015) and Germany (from 60,165 in 2009 to 70,437 in 2015), it was still much lower than in the rest of the country.
Social participation and education
Recipients of minimum social security 2009-2016
Overall, the number and share of benefit recipients have perceptibly decreased since 2009, mainly because of the sharp decline in SGB II recipients by around 12,500 to 66,100. By contrast, the number of recipients covered by SGB XII and the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Actrose to 6,100 and 4,100 respectively.
The environment
Modal split (choice of transport) 2003-2015 and 2025
Ecomobility is still about 60 percent and thus 10 below the target. Cycling has reached a high proportion in comparison with other cities with significantly more journeys made by bicycle than in 2008. When it comes to Ecomobility, walking is the most important factor (2015 with 25 percent of all routes) followed by local public transport and bicycle use (2015 with 18 and 17 percent).
Carbon dioxid emissions 2011-2013 and 2050
CO2 emissions per capita fell slightly from 2011 (6,81 tons) to 2013 (6,69 tons) in the urban area of Leipzig, partly because of the positive effects of the densification of the city. A significant 33 percent reduction is needed if the target of 4,47 tons for 2020 is to be achieved.
Access to public green spaces in 2009 and 2016
The increase in population means that there is a smaller area per capita for parks and other public greenspaces. In 2009 there were around 20 square meters of public green space available to every inhabitant of Leipzig, in 2016 it was only 15.5 square meters per inhabitant. Even so, the total area of public greenspaces and urban woodlands has expanded.
Municipal budget
Budgetary expenditure 2012-2016
Expenditure has increased considerably from 2012 with EUR 1.375 million to EUR 1.636 million in 2016. The largest item sin the budget apart from wage costs are childcare, housing, social services (excluding asylumseekers and accommodation) and culture. The priorities of the investment programme are childcare and schools as well as transport and mobility.