Study on “Demographic Situation”

Erlangen remains one of Germany’s most future-proof regions: In the latest study, “The Demographic Situation of the Nation,” the independent city ranks seventh out of 400 counties and independent cities nationwide.

Published in October 2026 by the Berlin Institute for Population and Development and the Wüstenrot Foundation, the study examines how well regions are positioned to handle demographic and economic structural change. The so-called BI Index is based on 26 indicators from the following areas

• demographics
• Economy
• Education, and
• Social Affairs and Family-Friendliness.

In addition, the study incorporates a regional population projection by the CIMA Institute for Regional Economics through 2045. The goal is to highlight areas requiring action and opportunities for development for policymakers, public administration, the business sector, and society.

The Kollegienhaus at Friedrich-Alexander University (Photo: Erich Malter)

Strong in Education

With an overall score of 2.56, Erlangen remains among the top performers nationwide (2019: fifth place). Erlangen performs particularly well in the “Education” category, with a score of 1.5.

The ratings for demographics (2.5) and the economy (2.7) are also well above the national averages. In the social sector, Erlangen achieved a score of 3.5, placing it exactly at the median value among municipalities. In the immediate regional area, the Erlangen-Höchstadt district even ranked fifth with an overall score of 2.53.

Overall, Bavaria accounts for 18 of the top 20 regions in Germany. In addition to Erlangen, Ingolstadt, Regensburg, and Munich are also among the leading major cities.

Mayor Jörg Volleth: “The results confirm Erlangen’s strengths as a center for education, science, and business. Thanks to its high proportion of skilled workers, the close ties between research and business, and a robust labor market, Erlangen is well-positioned to navigate demographic and economic structural change. These are strengths we intend to build upon and rely on as we face the challenges ahead.”