Municipality

Lund Municipality – facts, statistics, and insights

Lund Municipality is a place where history and the future meet in a unique way. Here, thousand-year-old traditions coexist with vibrant innovation, in the heart of Skåne. The university, proximity to the Öresund region, and the characteristic small-town feel make Lund one of Sweden’s most attractive municipalities – for students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and families with children.

Population and demographics

Lund is one of the most dynamic municipalities in the country in terms of population, with over 125,000 residents. The population is relatively young compared to many other Swedish municipalities, largely thanks to the renowned university that attracts students from around the world. There is also a noticeably international influence – nearly one in five residents has a foreign background, and over a hundred languages are spoken in the community.

The high education level influences everyday life: Lund residents are often engaged in culture, societal issues, and sports. The municipality is steadily growing but has managed to preserve its green spaces and small-scale housing neighborhoods. Lund is also a top cycling city – more people cycle to work here than in most other places in the country.

Taxes, welfare, and municipal services

Lund’s municipal tax rate is 21.24%, while the county council tax is 11.18%. Additionally, there is a funeral fee of 0.29% and – for members of the Church of Sweden – a church fee of 1.34%. The total tax burden (excluding the church fee) amounts to 32.42%, placing Lund among the municipalities with relatively low taxes in the country.

Tax revenues are used to finance a broad range of welfare services and amenities:

• High-quality preschools, schools, and upper secondary schools
• Care for the elderly and people with disabilities
• Culture, libraries, and sports facilities
• Maintenance of parks, bike lanes, and public transportation

Lund faces challenges shared by many Swedish municipalities – increased demands on welfare and a rapidly growing population. At the same time, Lund’s economy remains stable, with clear priorities in education and sustainable urban development.

Economy and labor market

Lund is known for its strong labor market, characterized by research, technology, and high educational levels. The municipality has a low unemployment rate compared to the national average, and there is a large share of knowledge-intensive jobs thanks to the university, research facilities ESS and MAX IV, and many tech and IT companies.

Major employers include the university, Region Skåne, and Lund Municipality itself, but there is also a growing number of companies within life sciences, clean tech, and digitalization. The proximity to Malmö and Copenhagen makes commuting easy and opens up even more job opportunities for Lund residents.

Education and business

Lund University is at the heart of the city’s educational life and a driving force for regional development. The university has over 40,000 students and is one of Europe’s leading research environments. It attracts not only students but also companies and entrepreneurs seeking close proximity to cutting-edge research and innovation.

The educational level in the municipality is very high – over half of the residents have post-secondary education. This is reflected in the business climate, where many companies start and grow in collaboration with academia. Lund is also known for its numerous student associations, community life, and vibrant cultural scene.

Geography and attractions

Lund is strategically located between Malmö and Eslöv, with proximity to both flatlands and the Scanian oak forests. The city center features medieval neighborhoods, cobblestone streets, and the famous cathedral. There are several museums, the botanical garden, and a lively café and restaurant scene.

Outside the city core, Lund offers beautiful bike paths, nature reserves, and modern residential areas. The municipality is also known for its commitment to sustainable urban development, with investments in green transportation and climate-smart solutions.

FAQ about Lund Municipality

• How high is the municipal tax rate in Lund?
  Lund has a municipal tax rate of 21.24%.
• What are the tax revenues used for in Lund?
  The funds are allocated to schools, eldercare, culture, sports, and infrastructure.
• How large is Lund’s population?
  Over 125,000 people live in Lund Municipality.
• Who are the largest employers?
  Lund University, Region Skåne, and the municipality itself, along with many tech and research companies.
• What makes Lund unique?
  The combination of being a student city, research hub, and small-town atmosphere makes Lund special.