Demographic contraction has a considerable impact on the quality of life. In order to be able to devise the proper solutions, insight in the contraction issue is required. DHV’s Contraction Barometer maps the importance of contraction in various fields for regions and municipalities.
We observe that there are considerable differences among regions and demographic contraction manifests itself in very different ways in different regions. The causes of the declining population are also very dissimilar. The exodus of young people, an ageing population, job availability, and a tight housing market are some of the common causes. In combination, these causes can yield very diverse results.
Contraction Barometer
DHV’s research has revealed that there are four broad types of regions:
- Growth regions
- Problematic housing market regions
- Secondary contraction regions
- Primary contraction regions
The Contraction Barometer not only categorizes areas as a function of the type of contraction, but also measures the impact of the contraction in various fields. The Contraction Barometer maps the impact of contraction for regions and municipalities in the following fields:
- Housing market
- Commercial real estate
- Social and welfare facilities
- Health care
- Education
- Public transport
- Sports facilities
- Economy and labor market
- Employment
- Labor force
- Commuter travel