Municipality

Essunga Municipality – facts, statistics, and insights

Essunga Municipality is one of Västra Götaland County's smaller but charming municipalities. Here you will encounter agricultural landscapes, small towns, and proximity to both nature and larger cities. Essunga is known for its commitment to local development, good service, and a vibrant community life that adds sparkle to everyday life for residents.

Population and demographics

Essunga Municipality is home to just over 5,600 residents, making it one of the smaller municipalities in the region. The population structure is characterized by a relatively even distribution across age groups, but as in many other parts of the country, the proportion of older people is increasing. Many appreciate the small-scale community, and recent years have seen an uptick in inward migration thanks to good transportation links and proximity to larger towns like Vara and Lidköping.

The municipality's central town is Nossebro, serving as a hub for commerce, services, and events. Outside the town, open landscapes stretch out with active villages and farms.

Taxes, welfare, and municipal services

Essunga has a municipal tax rate of 21.57%, county council tax of 11.48%, and a funeral fee of 0.29%. The church fee is 1.37% for members of the Church of Sweden. The total tax burden excluding the church fee amounts to 33.05%. Tax revenues fund schools, care services, elderly homes, libraries, recreational facilities, and much more. The municipality has prioritized maintaining a high level of welfare despite its size.

• Childcare is well developed with both preschools and after-school programs.
• Senior care has received praise for its personal approach and proximity to users.
• Municipal services are characterized by quick decision-making processes and good accessibility.

Challenges exist, especially regarding an aging population and the need to attract more young people and professionals to settle in the municipality.

Economy and labor market

Essunga's economy is stable but influenced by the size and composition of its population. The local labor market is dominated by small businesses, agriculture, and the public sector. Many commute to nearby cities for work, thanks to good road connections. The municipality actively works to attract new companies and support entrepreneurs through various local initiatives.

An interesting detail is that the municipality has an unusually high proportion of self-employed persons or cooperative members, which contributes to the resilience of the local economy.

Education and business

Essunga offers compulsory schooling up to grade 9 and invests in modern learning environments. Many young people seek upper secondary education in neighboring municipalities, but the municipality collaborates well with these to facilitate transitions. The business sector is strongly characterized by agriculture, but construction, logistics, and the service sector have grown in recent years.

• The municipality has several award-winning farms and food producers.
• The community organizations create opportunities for young people to develop both athletically and socially.

Geography and attractions

Essunga offers beautiful nature with fields, meadows, and winding waterways. Ätran and Nossan are popular for fishing and outdoor activities. Notable attractions include Nossebro Market, one of the country's largest recurring markets, as well as several local museums and heritage farms that tell the story of the area's history. For those seeking tranquility and nature experiences, there are many hiking trails and cycle paths to explore.

Despite its small size, there is always something to discover – from hidden swimming spots to lively local traditions.

FAQ – common questions about Essunga Municipality

• What is the municipal tax rate in Essunga?
  The municipal tax rate is 21.57%. Including county council tax and burial fee, the total tax burden is 33.05% (excluding church fee).
• How many people live in Essunga Municipality?
  Approximately 5,600 residents.
• What is Essunga most known for?
  Nossebro Market, its active community life, and the small-scale, safe environment.
• What does the job market look like?
  Small businesses, agriculture, and the public sector dominate. Many commute to work in nearby municipalities.
• Are there high schools in Essunga?
  No, upper secondary education mainly takes place in neighboring municipalities, but collaborations exist to facilitate for young people.