Basel Economic Area – Facts and Figures
The future pulsates between the Rhine, hills and high culture in Basel. The region stands for economic strength, urban quality of life and groundbreaking innovation. Whether life sciences, cleantech or digital industry, Basel offers an environment in which ideas grow, companies expand and talents develop their potential. Here, research and entrepreneurial spirit, architecture and joie de vivre come together in the smallest of spaces. Basel is the place where progress finds a home.
Living and working in the Basel region means being part of one of the most dynamic metropolitan areas in Europe. Between the pharmaceutical campus, architectural icons and growing start-up ecosystem, the region is a powerful driving force in Switzerland. The Basel metropolitan region is one of the most powerful business locations in the country. With an exceptionally high export rate and internationally leading companies in the life sciences, medtech, chemicals and ICT sectors. Over 30,000 people work here in the research, development and production of future technologies.
A new era of value creation is emerging in the Basel region with sites such as uptownBasel and Klybeckplus, which are networked, climate-conscious and internationally oriented. Companies find short distances to research, talented people find new professional horizons and the location promotion programs of the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft, as well as Basel Area, accompany companies from the idea to expansion. Whether promoting innovation, developing skilled workers or ESG-compliant new construction projects, the region makes targeted investments in sustainable growth.
Did you know that..
- an urban quarter is being created on the bi-cantonal Dreispitz site that combines working, living and culture in a new way?
- the Klybeckplus site is being developed according to the SNBS standard and will provide space for 15,000 people to live and work?
- the BaseLink site in Allschwil is attracting worldwide attention as a center for biomedical research?
- Basel is one of the world’s top regions for life sciences?
- innovative energy solutions from the region are contributing to the decarbonization of Switzerland?
- start-ups from all over the world settle here because of the proximity to cutting-edge research and capital?
Where business and quality of life go hand in hand
Basel is strong because of its cross-border thinking. The tri-national cooperation with Alsace and South Baden creates a cross-border economic area with a high level of innovation. The region benefits from international connections via EuroAirport, efficient rail logistics and links to the world’s oceans via the Swiss Rhine ports. Behind the scenes, there are dedicated location promotion agencies that assist companies with relocating, finding space, obtaining permits and networking. From start-ups to industrial groups – Basel offers everything from a single source. Basel is not an either-or. Basel is the whole. The future is being created here today.
The Basel economic area in figures
Basel-Stadt
| ECONOMY – KEY FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Businesses | 16’000 |
| Leading sectors | Chemicals/pharmaceuticals, life sciences, financial services, trade, logistics, healthcare |
| Jobs / employees | 200’000 |
| Employees 1st sector (agriculture) | 100 |
| Employees 2nd sector (industry/construction) | 34’000 |
| Employees 3rd sector (services) | 166’000 |
| GDP per capita in CHF (2022) | 209’782 |
| Unemployment rate (2024) | 3,7% |
| Start-ups founded | 1’304 (2024) |
| REAL ESTATE – KEY FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Vacancy rate apartments | 0,9% |
| Vacancy rate office/commercial properties | 1% |
| Residential units in planning/construction | 11’000 |
| Office and commercial properties in planning/construction | 10-15 projects per year |
| New construction projects | 40-50 |
| Average construction costs for commercial properties in CHF | 3’000 – 4’800/m² |
| LOCATION – KEY FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Area in km² | 37 |
| Population (2024) | 207’515 |
| Population growth compared to previous year | 0,58% |
| Districts Number | 3 |
| Municipalities Number | 3 |
| Housing units | 138’000 |
| Universities | 4 |
| Stops Regional and long-distance public transportation | over 100 |
Basel-Land
| ECONOMY – KEY FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Company | 21’700 |
| Leading sectors | Mechanical engineering, chemicals/pharmaceuticals, food industry, trade, healthcare |
| Jobs / employees | 142’000 |
| Employees 1st sector (agriculture) | 1’000 |
| Employees 2nd sector (industry/construction) | 28’400 |
| Employees 3rd sector (services) | 112’100 |
| GDP per capita in CHF (2022) | 77’693 |
| Unemployment rate (2024) | 2,3% |
| Start-up foundations | 1’000 -1’200 |
| REAL ESTATE – KEY FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Vacancy rate apartments | 1,2% |
| Vacancy rate office/commercial properties | 1% |
| Residential units in planning/construction | approx. 2,000 per year |
| Office and commercial properties in planning/construction | 12-18 projects per year |
| New construction projects | 30-45 |
| Average construction costs for commercial properties in CHF | 2’200 – 3’800/m² |
| LOCATION – KEY FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Area in km² | 518 |
| Population (2024) | 303’285 |
| Population growth compared to previous year | 0,70% |
| Districts Number | 5 |
| Municipalities Number | 86 |
| Housing units | 140’000 |
| Universities | 1 |
| Stops Regional and long-distance public transportation | approx. 215 |