Municipality

Tranås Municipality – facts, statistics, and insights

Tranås Municipality in northern Småland is a place where small-town life meets entrepreneurship and scenic surroundings. With its location by Lake Sommen, a vibrant community life, and a strong tradition of entrepreneurship, Tranås has become an attractive place for both residents and businesses. The municipality is perhaps best known for its furniture companies and its unique pedestrian street, but there is much more to discover – from well-maintained schools to lively cultural life and close proximity to nature.

Population and Demographics

Tranås Municipality has just over 19,000 inhabitants. The population has been relatively stable in recent years, but the municipality has focused on attracting new residents through attractive housing options and good services. There is a mix of age groups, but like many smaller municipalities, an aging population is noticeable. At the same time, Tranås is popular among families with children, and migration from neighboring municipalities and larger cities has increased.

The town of Tranås is the center of the municipality, but several smaller localities and rural areas provide variation and opportunities for both urban and rural living. Several lakes, forests, and nature reserves make Tranås a valued area for outdoor activities.

Tax, Welfare, and Municipal Services

The municipal tax rate in Tranås is 22.01%, which combined with the county council tax of 11.76% results in a total tax burden of 33.77% (excluding church fee). For members of the Church of Sweden, an additional church fee of 1.47% and a mandatory funeral fee of 0.29% apply. Tax revenues are primarily used for schools, healthcare, social services, and infrastructure.

• Significant investments are made in schools and elder care.
• The municipality offers good childcare, elementary schools, and high schools.
• Healthcare centers, recreational facilities, and libraries are easily accessible.

Tranås maintains a high standard of welfare services but, like many other municipalities, faces challenges with rising costs in elder care and the need to attract more young and working-age residents.

Economy and Job Market

Tranås has a long-standing tradition of entrepreneurship, especially within the furniture industry and electrical engineering. The municipality has a vibrant business sector with many small and medium-sized companies, providing a stable job market. Major private employers include OEM International and Tranås Energi, but the public sector also employs many.

Unemployment is slightly below the national average, and Tranås has invested heavily in creating favorable conditions for entrepreneurs and startups. Its geographical location also makes commuting to larger cities like Linköping and Jönköping convenient.

• The furniture industry has earned Tranås the nickname "The Furniture City".
• Several startups in tech and services have chosen to establish here.

Education and Business

Tranås offers a broad range of education from preschool to high school. Tranås High School is known for good results and close cooperation with local companies, facilitating internships and employment after graduation. Adult education and vocational colleges are also available, often focusing on technology, healthcare, and industry – sectors with high labor demand.

The close link between education and business is one of Tranås' strengths. Young people gain early contact with working life, and companies have good opportunities to influence the content of education.

Geography and Attractions

Tranås is situated scenically on the northern shore of Lake Sommen. The city features an unusually long pedestrian street that serves as a hub for shopping and events. Markets, concerts, and sports competitions attract both locals and visitors.

• Tranås is known for its beautiful parks and proximity to nature reserves.
• Popular excursions include Lake Sommen, Ekopark Omberg, and the historic Tranås Mill.
• Birdwatching, fishing, and paddling attract nature lovers from across the country.

Fun fact: Tranås is also one of the few Swedish localities where you can see beavers in urban waterways!

FAQ – Common questions about Tranås Municipality

• What is the municipal tax rate in Tranås?
  The municipal tax rate is 22.01%. Together with the county council tax and funeral fee, it totals 33.77% (excluding church fee).
• What is Tranås most known for?
  Tranås is known for its furniture industry, long pedestrian street, and proximity to Lake Sommen.
• What does the job market look like?
  Unemployment is low and there are many jobs within industry, technology, healthcare, and retail.
• What educational opportunities are available?
  The municipality offers good elementary schools, high schools, and adult education, often in close collaboration with local businesses.
• What makes Tranås an attractive place to live?
  The combination of small-town life, good services, proximity to nature, and strong job opportunities attracts both young and older residents.