Municipality

Sölvesborg Municipality – facts, statistics, and insights

Sölvesborg Municipality, beautifully situated on the Blekinge coast, is a place where small-scale meets lively. Here, seaside nature experiences blend with an active association life and a history visible in both the city center and the countryside. The municipality has become known for its quality of life, proximity to nature and the job market, and a rich cultural scene that attracts both locals and newcomers.

Population and Demographics

Sölvesborg is one of Blekinge's smaller municipalities in terms of population, but it has a clear sense of community and local pride. The population has a relatively even age distribution, although the proportion of elderly has increased in recent years. At the same time, migration from other parts of the country and from abroad has made the population more diverse. The majority live in the urban area of Sölvesborg, but there are also several smaller communities and villages where rural life continues.

Taxes, Welfare, and Municipal Services

The tax level in Sölvesborg is clear: the municipal tax rate is 21.82%, while the county council tax is 12.04%. In addition, there is a funeral fee of 0.29%, and for members of the Church of Sweden, church fees of 1.34% are added. The total tax burden excluding church fees is thus 33.86% – slightly above the national average but in line with other smaller municipalities in Blekinge.

Tax revenues are used for everything from schools, elderly care, and social services to culture, leisure, and infrastructure. Sölvesborg has focused on maintaining a high level of service, especially in healthcare, social care, and childcare. Offering both safety and proximity is one of the municipality’s strengths, although challenges in elderly care and skills supply are evident.

• Municipal tax: 21.82%
• County council tax: 12.04%
• Funeral fee: 0.29%
• Church fee (for members): 1.34%

Economy and Labor Market

Sölvesborg’s labor market is characterized by small and medium-sized enterprises. Retail, services, construction, and industry are key sectors, but the public sector also employs many. Unemployment is close to the national average, and the municipality actively works to attract new businesses and facilitate entrepreneurship. Proximity to larger towns like Karlshamn and Kristianstad also enables many to commute, broadening the labor market further.

Economically, Sölvesborg has a stable foundation, but like many smaller municipalities, it faces challenges in funding welfare in the long term, especially with an aging population. At the same time, opportunities exist – not least in tourism, small business, and digitalization.

Geography and Attractions

With its location on Hanö Bay, Sölvesborg is a municipality where the sea is always close. Here, there are long sandy beaches, coastal nature reserves, and the unique Sölvesborg Bridge – one of Europe’s longest pedestrian and bicycle bridges. The town has a charming medieval core, and outside the urban area, Listerlandet offers fishing villages and open landscapes.

• Sölvesborg Bridge – a spectacular bridge with views of both city and sea
• Hanö – the mythical island accessible by ferry
• Music festivals and a vibrant cultural scene, especially in summer
• Birdlife at the Hällevik nature reserve

Nature is an integral part of life here – it’s common to see locals and visitors cycling along the coastlines or on the piers in small boat harbors.

FAQ about Sölvesborg Municipality

• What is the municipal tax rate in Sölvesborg?
  The municipal tax rate is 21.82%.
• What are the tax revenues used for?
  Primarily for healthcare, schools, social care, infrastructure, and culture.
• Who are the biggest employers?
  The municipality itself, retail, industry, and service companies.
• What is unique about Sölvesborg?
  Coastal location, Sölvesborg Bridge, and the vibrant association and cultural life.
• What is it like to live in Sölvesborg?
  Close to nature, the sea, and services – a small town with big opportunities and a strong sense of community.