Municipality

Oxelösund Municipality – facts, statistics, and insights

Oxelösund is a small coastal municipality in Södermanland County, known for its strategic location by the Baltic Sea and its long industrial history. Here, sea, port, and steel industry meet in a way that gives the municipality a unique character – but also creates opportunities and challenges that few other Swedish municipalities have.

Population and demographics

Oxelösund Municipality has just over 12,000 inhabitants and is thus one of the smaller municipalities in the country in terms of population. The population is concentrated in the town of Oxelösund itself, as the municipality essentially lacks rural areas and smaller localities. The age structure is relatively even, but with a slightly higher proportion of elderly than the national average – which affects both welfare needs and the labor market.

In recent years, population development has been stable, but growth is slower than in many other parts of the country. In-migration mainly comes from neighboring municipalities, while some younger people choose to move to larger cities for studies or work.

Tax, welfare, and municipal services

The tax rate in Oxelösund is 22.22% for municipal tax and 10.83% for county council tax. Together with the burial fee (0.29%), the total tax burden amounts to 33.05% for those not affiliated with the Church of Sweden. If you are a member, an additional church fee of 1.4% applies. The tax rate is roughly average compared to other Swedish municipalities.

Tax revenues are primarily used for schools, elderly care, social services, and other essential functions that ensure everyday life for residents. With an aging population, extra resources are allocated to elderly care, while the municipality also invests in schools and recreational activities to attract families and younger adults.

• Schools and education: High staff density and investments in modern learning environments.
• Elderly care: Extensive home services and special housing.
• Culture and leisure: Libraries, sports facilities, and proximity to the sea.

The challenge is to maintain a high level of service despite the tax base not growing as fast as costs. Efficiency and smart resource utilization are therefore constant priorities in Oxelösund.

Economy and labor market

Oxelösund’s economy has been shaped for decades by the steel industry, primarily the large steelworks that is the municipality’s largest employer. The industry has been both a strength and a vulnerability – high employment but also dependent on a dominant sector.

In addition to industry, many jobs are found in the public sector, trade, port operations, and various small businesses. Unemployment is roughly at the national average, but can vary significantly depending on economic cycles and industry development.

• Steelworks and port: Major employers with international connections.
• Public sector: Schools, healthcare, and social services employ many.
• Small businesses: Growing within service and tourism sectors.

In the coming years, the municipality faces the challenge of diversifying the labor market and attracting new companies, while the industry’s green transition may create both new jobs and exciting development opportunities.

Geography and attractions

Oxelösund is a distinctive coastal town, surrounded by the Baltic Sea on three sides and home to one of Sweden’s largest deep-water ports. The archipelago, the sea, and open vistas make the municipality a popular excursion destination – especially in summer.

Main attractions include Femörehead with its lighthouse museum, the beautiful archipelago, and numerous beaches. The harbor is lively and serves as an important gateway for goods and visitors. Several trails and bike paths make it easy to explore nature on your own, and it’s never far to a cliff or pier.

• Femörehead and Femöre Nature Reserve
• Stenviksbadet and Jogersö bathing areas
• Industrial sites and harbor life

FAQ about Oxelösund Municipality

• What is the municipal tax rate in Oxelösund?
  The municipal tax rate is 22.22%. Combined with county council tax and burial fee, it totals 33.05% (excluding church fee).
• What characterizes the labor market?
  The industry, especially the steelworks and the port, is dominant, but the public sector and small businesses also provide many jobs.
• What is the service like in the municipality?
  Oxelösund invests in high quality in both schools and elderly care, as well as culture and leisure – despite a limited tax base.
• What are the main attractions?
  Femörehead, the archipelago, beaches, and the harbor environment are some of the most appreciated places.