Social environment

Social cohesion in the neighbourhood is stable, and most inhabitants participate

Social cohesion is stable over the years, but there are differences across neighbourhoods and income groups. Most residents participate. We also see differences between residents here.

• The social cohesionThis includes, for example, getting to know your neighbors, interacting with them, and feeling comfortable around them. rating is the same as in 2023 (5.9). Differences in neighbourhoods and income are evident.
• Most Utrecht residents (84%) participated in 2025, a larger share than in 2023 (82%). They attend school, have paid employment, perform volunteer work, are involved in culture or sports, have social contacts or are active in the neighbourhood. There are major differences associated with education, income and disability.
• Since 2021, the share of residents who struggle to use the internet for submitting applications or making appointments has been declining (29% in 2021 and 24% in 2025). Despite this decrease, the group remains substantial, and there are clear differences linked to age and education level.
• Forty percent of Utrecht residents perform volunteer work, which is comparable to 2023.
• In 2025, more residents experienced discrimination (21%) than in 2023 (19%). This increase is also evident at the national level and in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague.
• In the 2024/2025 school year, educational segregationWhen different groups of children attend different schools based on factors such as income, ethnicity, or social background, we refer to this as educational segregation. in primary education was lower than in 2020/2021. Educational segregation in Utrecht has been decreasing since 2017. Teacher shortages in primary education are also declining, although differences between districts remain. Educational segregation is highest in Zuidwest, while teacher shortages are highest in Overvecht and Noordwest.
• Almost all children in group 8 have sufficient mastery of language, reading and numeracy skills. For language and reading, this is similar to the national average; for numeracy, children in Utrecht perform slightly better than the national average.
• In the 2023/2024 school year, 2.2% of young people left school before obtaining a basic qualificationA basic qualification is a diploma from HAVO, VWO, or MBO levels 2, 3, or 4. (early school leavers).

The majority participates in culture and sports

Participation in cultural activities remains high in Utrecht. An increasing number of residents exercise every week, but compliance with the physical activity guideline is not increasing.

• Ninety percent participate in cultural activities, though there are differences between districts, age groups, income and education levels. A large majority is satisfied with Utrecht’s cultural amenities, such as museums, theatres, concert halls and cinemas.
• In 2024, 71% of residents exercised weekly, compared with 61% in 2016.
• There are large differences in participation in sports and physical activity across the city. Some groups exercise less than average: people with primary or lower secondary education, those with upper secondary or vocational education, and children from low income households.
• Satisfaction with the availability of sports activities and exercise venues also varies by district.
• Residents in vulnerable situations (Meetellen panel) participate in neighbourhood activities to varying degrees. Almost one third (31%) participate weekly, while 35% never participate. More than half (58%) never participate in sports activities.

The vast majority feel healthy, but large differences are present

The vast majority feel healthy, but the health disparities in the city are large and emerge at an early age. Over the years, health disparities have increased according to income and education level.

• Seventy-nine percent of residents feel healthy. Utrecht residents are more likely to feel healthy than residents from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. 90% of children feel healthy.
• Perceived health has returned to pre-pandemic levels, but there is virtually no improvement in mental health and severe loneliness.
• Inclusion and social security among young people exhibit a negative development: young people are less likely to view homosexuality as normal. Discrimination and bullying in school are also on the rise.
• The vaccination rate in Utrecht is below the desired WHO standards, and differences between neighbourhoods are increasing.
• Many Utrecht residents have a healthy lifestyle. Simultaneously, substance use among young adults is high: 25% are heavy drinkers, and 16% have used hard drugs in the last four weeks.
• There is an increase in unhealthy behaviour among young people, including vaping and the use of social media.

Increase in recorded crime; decline in perceived safety

Total recorded crime increased in 2025. Between 2021 and 2025, perceived safety also deteriorated: more residents feel unsafe, and experiences of street harassment increased.

• Total recorded crime increased by 10% in 2025; it had been declining until 2021 but has been rising again since then, primarily due to increases in residential burglary, car break ins, bicycle theft, and violent incidents. In Rotterdam and Amsterdam, total recorded crime decreased by 2% in 2025.
• Drug related offences are increasing, including hard drug trafficking. There has been a sharp rise in the number of protests.
• In 2025, police reports of disturbance also increased by 20%.
• Feelings of insecurity have increased compared with 2021 and 2023. Thirty seven percent of residents occasionally feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood. General feelings of insecurity have also worsened, with 48% occasionally feeling unsafe. This trend is also visible nationally.
• Thirty eight percent of residents have been intimidated in public in the past 12 months, particularly women and young people. This represents an increase compared with 2023 and 2021.