Municipality

Trollhättan Municipality – facts, statistics, and insights

Trollhättan Municipality is known as an industrial city and Sweden’s center for hydroelectric power, but has also developed into a modern small town focused on innovation, education, and a vibrant cultural life. Vänersborg is just north, and Gothenburg is a little over an hour away, giving Trollhättan a strategic location in Västra Götaland. Here, technology history, film industry, and beautiful natural environments meet – something that is noticeable both in everyday life and business.

Population and Demographics

Trollhättan has around 60,000 inhabitants, making it one of the larger municipalities in the region. The population has been steadily growing in recent years, largely due to inward migration and a relatively young age structure. The municipality has a diverse population, with almost one in four residents having a foreign background. This creates a dynamic and international atmosphere, both in schools and community life.

The city is known for its technical tradition, but also for attracting many young adults and families. This is reflected in the wide range of schools, preschools, and leisure activities – and in the new residential areas being built in several parts of the municipality.

Tax, Welfare, and Municipal Services

The municipal tax rate in Trollhättan is 22.36%, while the county council tax (for Västra Götaland Region) is 11.48%. Additionally, there is a funeral fee of 0.29%, and for members of the Church of Sweden, a church fee of 1.37%. The total tax burden for most residents (excluding church fee) amounts to 33.84%.

Tax revenues mainly go to schools, elder care, social services, and infrastructure. Trollhättan has invested heavily in maintaining high quality in healthcare and social care, as well as developing sports facilities, cultural centers, and modern school environments. The municipality also has a well-developed network of youth centers, swimming pools, and green parks.

• Strong focus on safety and social work
• Investments in schools and digitalization
• Robust initiatives for accessible public transport

At the same time, Trollhättan faces the same challenges as many growing municipalities: ensuring resources keep pace with population increases and changing needs.

Economy and Job Market

Historically, Trollhättan has been synonymous with manufacturing and automotive industries, especially through Saab. Today, the business landscape has broadened – including companies in technology, IT, energy, and notably film and media production (sometimes called Trollywood). Unemployment is close to the national average, but the municipality actively works to create more jobs, especially for young people.

The business community is characterized by small and medium-sized enterprises, often with international connections. Many commute to and from Gothenburg, Uddevalla, and Vänersborg. The municipality is also an important public employer, with many employees in schools, elder care, and technical administration.

Education and Business

Trollhättan offers a rich educational landscape, from preschool to university. University West attracts students from across the country and is known for its close ties to industry through work-integrated learning. There are also vocational colleges and adult education programs that meet the needs of the industrial and technology sectors.

• University West – engineering, business, healthcare, and teacher education
• Innovation hubs and business clusters in IT and film
• Good opportunities for internships and trainee programs in collaboration with companies

These educational offerings have contributed to making Trollhättan an attractive city for young adults, recent graduates, and international talents.

Geography and Attractions

Trollhättan is situated along the Göta älv river and is renowned for its mighty locks, waterfalls, and beautiful canals. It is an ideal starting point for outdoor activities – within cycling distance are nature reserves and lakes for swimming. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene with film festivals, art galleries, and music venues.

• Trollhättefallen and lock area – classic tourist attractions
• Innovatum Science Center – technology and experiments for all ages
• Film in Väst and filming locations for Swedish blockbuster movies

For those seeking small-town charm with big-city opportunities within reach, Trollhättan is hard to beat.

FAQ – Common Questions about Trollhättan Municipality

• What is the municipal tax rate in Trollhättan?
  The municipal tax rate is 22.36% (total tax burden excluding church fee 33.84%).
• What is Trollhättan most known for?
  The city is known for its industrial history, hydroelectric power, film production, and beautiful lock environments.
• How is the job market?
  Wide-ranging industry in technology, IT, film, and public sector. Unemployment is around the national average.
• What educational opportunities are available?
  Everything from primary school to University West and several vocational training programs.
• What are the tax funds used for?
  Primarily for schools, elder care, social services, public transport, and recreational facilities.