Migration Fit

Gelsenkirchen migration data

Cost, housing, work, healthcare, safety and air-quality indicators for Gelsenkirchen, with official source links and observation dates.

Last updated 2026-06-05

Overview

Gelsenkirchen at a glance.
FieldValue
CityGelsenkirchen
CountryGermany
Last updated2026-06-05
City-level indicators16
Data exportgelsenkirchen.json
Basic city facts for Gelsenkirchen.
Metric Value Source Observed Data level
Population 270,934 people Gelsenkirchen Bevoelkerung Open Data 2026-03-31 City
City area 104.86 km2 Gelsenkirchen Feuerwehr Jahresbericht 2024 2024-12-31 City
Federal state Nordrhein-Westfalen Destatis Gemeindeverzeichnis 2026-05-31 City
Primary postal code 45879 Destatis Gemeindeverzeichnis 2026-05-31 City
Population density 2,553 people/km2 Destatis Gemeindeverzeichnis 2026-05-31 City
Regional key 055130000000 Destatis Gemeindeverzeichnis 2026-05-31 City
Coordinates 51.5103, 7.0942 Wikidata 2026-05-31 City

Moving checklist

First checks before moving to Gelsenkirchen.
Step Why it matters
Housing Check current rent, deposit, documents and whether the address allows Anmeldung in Gelsenkirchen.
Address registration After signing a lease, confirm the local Bürgeramt or registration office process for Gelsenkirchen.
Health insurance Make sure public or private health insurance is active before employment, study or residence steps.
Bank and tax ID Plan for a bank account and tax ID after registration; employers often need both.
Residence permit Use the local immigration handoff for appointments, extensions and route-specific documents.
Work search Compare local job listings with Germany-wide salary references and language requirements.
Family services For children, check Kita, school and child-benefit steps early because timing is local.
Transport Check local transport links, regional connections and whether a Deutschlandticket covers your commute.

Local admin handoff

What to do and which official office to check in Gelsenkirchen.
Task Where to go Why it matters Source
Address registration City registration office / Buergeramt After signing a lease, confirm the local Bürgeramt or registration office process for Gelsenkirchen. Stadt Gelsenkirchen
Observed: 2026-05-31
Residence permit Foreigners authority / Auslaenderbehoerde Use the local immigration handoff for appointments, extensions and route-specific documents. Auslaenderangelegenheiten Gelsenkirchen
Observed: 2026-05-31
Work search Jobcenter or Federal Employment Agency Compare local job listings with Germany-wide salary references and language requirements. Bundesagentur fuer Arbeit Dienststellensuche
Observed: 2026-06-04
Family services City family, school or Kita service For children, check Kita, school and child-benefit steps early because timing is local. Stadt Gelsenkirchen
Observed: 2026-05-31
Health insurance Doctor search service Make sure public or private health insurance is active before employment, study or residence steps. 116117 Arzt- und Psychotherapeutensuche
Observed: 2026-06-04
Residence permit BAMF integration-course search or local integration office Use the local immigration handoff for appointments, extensions and route-specific documents. EUROPAcenter Gelsenkirchen
Observed: 2026-05-31
Transport Local or regional transport operator Check local transport links, regional connections and whether a Deutschlandticket covers your commute. VRR
Observed: 2026-05-31

Overview

Overview — 2 metric(s).
Metric Value Source Observed Data level
Total land area 34,112.44 km2 Destatis — Bodenfläche (GENESIS 11111-0001) Official 2024-12-31 Land
Gelsenkirchen has Total land area at 34,112.44 km2, observed on 2024-12-31 from Destatis — Bodenfläche (GENESIS 11111-0001).
Population change 2040 vs 2023 (Vorausberechnung) -1.5 % Destatis — 15. koordinierte Bevölkerungsvorausberechnung (Variante G2-L2-W2, 2040 vs 2023) Official 2023-12-31 Land
Gelsenkirchen has Population change 2040 vs 2023 (Vorausberechnung) at -1.5 percent, observed on 2023-12-31 from Destatis — 15. koordinierte Bevölkerungsvorausberechnung (Variante G2-L2-W2, 2040 vs 2023).

Housing

Housing — 1 metric(s).
Metric Value Source Observed Data level
Average net cold rent 7.44 EUR/m2/month wohnungsboerse Mietspiegel Gelsenkirchen Commercial 2026-05-01 City
Gelsenkirchen has Average net cold rent at 7.44 EUR/m2/month, observed on 2026-05-01 from wohnungsboerse Mietspiegel Gelsenkirchen.

Work & labour market

Work & labour market — 3 metric(s).
Metric Value Source Observed Data level
Unemployment rate 7.5 % Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Arbeitslose und Arbeitslosenquoten (GENESIS 13211-0001) Official 2024-12-31 Land (DE-NW)
Gelsenkirchen has Unemployment rate at 7.5 percent, observed on 2024-12-31 from Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Arbeitslose und Arbeitslosenquoten (GENESIS 13211-0001).
Average monthly gross earnings 4,490 EUR/month VGRdL — Bruttolöhne und -gehälter je Arbeitnehmer, Reihe 2 Band 2 (Statistikportal) Official 2023-12-31 Land (VGRdL 2023)
Gelsenkirchen has Average monthly gross earnings at 4,490 EUR/month, observed on 2023-12-31 from VGRdL — Bruttolöhne und -gehälter je Arbeitnehmer, Reihe 2 Band 2 (Statistikportal).
Job vacancies per 1 000 Erwerbspersonen (BA Statistik) 19 per 1000 Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Gemeldete Arbeitsstellen (GENESIS 13211-0002) Official 2024-12-31 Land (BA, GENESIS 13211-0001)
Gelsenkirchen has Job vacancies per 1 000 Erwerbspersonen (BA Statistik) at 19 per 1000, observed on 2024-12-31 from Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Gemeldete Arbeitsstellen (GENESIS 13211-0002).

For labour-market indicators, lower unemployment is usually easier to interpret as a stronger local job market; occupation-specific salary rows should be compared within the same occupation.

Income & taxes

Income & taxes — 1 metric(s).
Metric Value Source Observed Data level
Purchasing power index (DE=100, VGRdL) 104 index VGRdL — Kaufkraft je Einwohner (verfügbares Einkommen + öffentliche Transferleistungen) Official 2023-12-31 Land (VGRdL 2023)
Gelsenkirchen has Purchasing power index (DE=100, VGRdL) at 104 index, observed on 2023-12-31 from VGRdL — Kaufkraft je Einwohner (verfügbares Einkommen + öffentliche Transferleistungen).

Safety

Safety — 1 metric(s).
Metric Value Source Observed Data level
Häufigkeitszahl — Straftaten insgesamt je 100 000 (BKA PKS) 6,100 HZ (incidents/100k) BKA — Polizeiliche Kriminalstatistik (PKS) Tabellenband 2024, Tabelle 01 (Land) Official 2024-12-31 Land (BKA PKS 2024, HZ)
Gelsenkirchen has Häufigkeitszahl — Straftaten insgesamt je 100 000 (BKA PKS) at 6,100 HZ (incidents/100k), observed on 2024-12-31 from BKA — Polizeiliche Kriminalstatistik (PKS) Tabellenband 2024, Tabelle 01 (Land).

Environment & climate

Environment & climate — 3 metric(s).
Metric Value Source Observed Data level
Average Annual Temperature 10.4 degC DWD Deutscher Wetterdienst Official 2024-01-01 Country estimate
Gelsenkirchen has Average Annual Temperature at 10.4 degC, observed on 2024-01-01 from DWD Deutscher Wetterdienst.
Jahresmittel Lufttemperatur 2m (DWD CDC 1991-2020) 9.8 degC DWD Climate Data Center — Klimanormal 1991-2020, Jahresmittel Lufttemperatur 2m (1×1 km Raster) Official 2020-12-31 Land (DWD Climate Normal 1991-2020, 1×1 km Raster)
Gelsenkirchen has Jahresmittel Lufttemperatur 2m (DWD CDC 1991-2020) at 9.8 degC, observed on 2020-12-31 from DWD Climate Data Center — Klimanormal 1991-2020, Jahresmittel Lufttemperatur 2m (1×1 km Raster).
Average Annual Sunshine Hours 1,650 hours/year DWD Deutscher Wetterdienst Official 2024-01-01 Country estimate
Gelsenkirchen has Average Annual Sunshine Hours at 1,650 hours/year, observed on 2024-01-01 from DWD Deutscher Wetterdienst.

Connectivity

Connectivity — 1 metric(s).
Metric Value Source Observed Data level
Average Fixed Broadband Download Speed 96.4 Mbit/s Ookla Speedtest Global Index details.sourceType.aggregator 2024-01-01 Country estimate
Gelsenkirchen has Average Fixed Broadband Download Speed at 96.4 Mbit/s, observed on 2024-01-01 from Ookla Speedtest Global Index.

Mobility

Mobility — 1 metric(s).
Metric Value Source Observed Data level
Passenger car density 470 cars/1000 residents Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt — FZ 3 vehicle stock by municipality details.sourceType.official_statistics 2026-01-01 City (Gemeinde) derived
Gelsenkirchen has Passenger car density at 470 cars/1000 residents, observed on 2026-01-01 from Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt — FZ 3 vehicle stock by municipality.

Healthcare

Healthcare — 1 metric(s).
Metric Value Source Observed Data level
Berufstätige physicians per 100 000 (Zi / BÄK) 450 per 100k Zi Versorgungsatlas / BÄK Ärztestatistik — Berufstätige Ärztinnen und Ärzte je 100 000 Einwohner Official 2024-12-31 Land (Zi Versorgungsatlas 2024)
Gelsenkirchen has Berufstätige physicians per 100 000 (Zi / BÄK) at 450 per 100k, observed on 2024-12-31 from Zi Versorgungsatlas / BÄK Ärztestatistik — Berufstätige Ärztinnen und Ärzte je 100 000 Einwohner.

Demographics

Demographics — 2 metric(s).
Metric Value Source Observed Data level
Median age (Zensus 2022, Durchschnittsalter) 44 years Destatis Zensus 2022 — Demographie (Durchschnittsalter, Migrationshintergrund) Official 2022-05-15 Land (Zensus 2022)
Gelsenkirchen has Median age (Zensus 2022, Durchschnittsalter) at 44 years, observed on 2022-05-15 from Destatis Zensus 2022 — Demographie (Durchschnittsalter, Migrationshintergrund).
Migrationshintergrund Anteil (Zensus 2022) 30.2 % Destatis Zensus 2022 — Demographie (Durchschnittsalter, Migrationshintergrund) Official 2022-05-15 Land (Zensus 2022)
Gelsenkirchen has Migrationshintergrund Anteil (Zensus 2022) at 30.2 percent, observed on 2022-05-15 from Destatis Zensus 2022 — Demographie (Durchschnittsalter, Migrationshintergrund).

Nearby cities

Closest listed cities near Gelsenkirchen.
City Distance, km Population Rent reference
Bochum 9 358,676 9.69 EUR/m2/month
Herne 9 155,851 7.91 EUR/m2/month
Essen 10 574,682 9.93 EUR/m2/month
Gladbeck 10 75,499 8.13 EUR/m2/month
Herten 10 60,941 8.69 EUR/m2/month

Rent context

Rent ranking context for Gelsenkirchen.
Local rent reference 7.44 EUR/m2/month
Rank, low to high 118 / 1128
Median in ranked cities 10.3 EUR/m2/month
Ranking page Open rent ranking
Derived rent scenarios for Gelsenkirchen.
Flat size Derived net cold rent Basis
50 m2 372 EUR/month Derived from stored rent reference 7.44 EUR/m2/month; not an asking price or contract rent.
70 m2 521 EUR/month Derived from stored rent reference 7.44 EUR/m2/month; not an asking price or contract rent.

Move-fit summary

Practical fit checks for common mover profiles in Gelsenkirchen.
Profile Fit signal Check before moving
Remote worker Good starting point Rent reference is at or below the current Germany city median in this dataset; still check internet speed, contract terms and Anmeldung.
Family Check first Check Kita, school catchment, child benefits and local registration timing before signing a lease.
Student Check first Check whether study location, semester ticket, shared-flat supply and commute work together.
Regulated profession Check first Check recognition, chamber or authority requirements before relying on local job listings.
Car-free living Check first Check local transport, regional rail and whether the Deutschlandticket covers your likely commute.

Country context Germany-wide

National rules and reference values used by migrants in Gelsenkirchen.
Metric Value Source Last updated Data level
EU Blue Card salary threshold 50,700 EUR/year Make it in Germany 2026-01-01 Germany-wide
Statutory minimum wage 13.9 EUR/hour BMAS — statutory minimum wage from January 2026 2026-01-01 Germany-wide
Average monthly gross earnings 4,851 EUR/month Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) 2025-01-01 Germany-wide
Public transport monthly pass 63 EUR/month Federal Government — Deutschlandticket price 2026 2026-01-01 Germany-wide
Statutory health insurance general contribution 14.6 % Federal Ministry of Health — statutory health insurance contributions 2026 2026-02-17 Germany-wide
Child benefit 259 EUR/month Federal Family Portal — child benefit (Kindergeld) 2026-01-01 Germany-wide

Official city handoff

Official municipal and transport links for Gelsenkirchen.
Field Source Last updated
City portal Stadt Gelsenkirchen 2026-05-31
Statistics portal Gelsenkirchen statistics 2026-05-31
Immigration office Auslaenderangelegenheiten Gelsenkirchen 2026-05-31
Newcomer service EUROPAcenter Gelsenkirchen 2026-05-31
Public transport VRR 2026-05-31
Transport tickets VRR ticket overview 2026-05-31

FAQ

What is Average Annual Sunshine Hours in Gelsenkirchen?

Gelsenkirchen has Average Annual Sunshine Hours at 1,650 hours/year, observed on 2024-01-01 from DWD Deutscher Wetterdienst. Confirm important decisions against the linked official source before acting.

What is Average Annual Temperature in Gelsenkirchen?

Gelsenkirchen has Average Annual Temperature at 10.4 degC, observed on 2024-01-01 from DWD Deutscher Wetterdienst. Confirm important decisions against the linked official source before acting.

What is Average Fixed Broadband Download Speed in Gelsenkirchen?

Gelsenkirchen has Average Fixed Broadband Download Speed at 96.4 Mbit/s, observed on 2024-01-01 from Ookla Speedtest Global Index. Confirm important decisions against the linked official source before acting.

What is Average net cold rent in Gelsenkirchen?

Gelsenkirchen has Average net cold rent at 7.44 EUR/m2/month, observed on 2026-05-01 from wohnungsboerse Mietspiegel Gelsenkirchen. Confirm important decisions against the linked official source before acting.

What is Average monthly gross earnings in Gelsenkirchen?

Gelsenkirchen has Average monthly gross earnings at 4,490 EUR/month, observed on 2023-12-31 from VGRdL — Bruttolöhne und -gehälter je Arbeitnehmer, Reihe 2 Band 2 (Statistikportal). Confirm important decisions against the linked official source before acting.

What is Berufstätige physicians per 100 000 (Zi / BÄK) in Gelsenkirchen?

Gelsenkirchen has Berufstätige physicians per 100 000 (Zi / BÄK) at 450 per 100k, observed on 2024-12-31 from Zi Versorgungsatlas / BÄK Ärztestatistik — Berufstätige Ärztinnen und Ärzte je 100 000 Einwohner. Confirm important decisions against the linked official source before acting.

What is Häufigkeitszahl — Straftaten insgesamt je 100 000 (BKA PKS) in Gelsenkirchen?

Gelsenkirchen has Häufigkeitszahl — Straftaten insgesamt je 100 000 (BKA PKS) at 6,100 HZ (incidents/100k), observed on 2024-12-31 from BKA — Polizeiliche Kriminalstatistik (PKS) Tabellenband 2024, Tabelle 01 (Land). Confirm important decisions against the linked official source before acting.

What is Jahresmittel Lufttemperatur 2m (DWD CDC 1991-2020) in Gelsenkirchen?

Gelsenkirchen has Jahresmittel Lufttemperatur 2m (DWD CDC 1991-2020) at 9.8 degC, observed on 2020-12-31 from DWD Climate Data Center — Klimanormal 1991-2020, Jahresmittel Lufttemperatur 2m (1×1 km Raster). Confirm important decisions against the linked official source before acting.

What is Job vacancies per 1 000 Erwerbspersonen (BA Statistik) in Gelsenkirchen?

Gelsenkirchen has Job vacancies per 1 000 Erwerbspersonen (BA Statistik) at 19 per 1000, observed on 2024-12-31 from Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Gemeldete Arbeitsstellen (GENESIS 13211-0002). Confirm important decisions against the linked official source before acting.

What is Passenger car density in Gelsenkirchen?

Gelsenkirchen has Passenger car density at 470 cars/1000 residents, observed on 2026-01-01 from Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt — FZ 3 vehicle stock by municipality. Confirm important decisions against the linked official source before acting.

Official sources

  1. Stadt Gelsenkirchen Statistiken
  2. BAMF — Federal Office for Migration and Refugees
  3. Destatis — Federal Statistical Office
  4. Destatis — Gemeindeverzeichnis (GV-ISys)
  5. Bundesagentur für Arbeit
  6. Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Entgeltatlas
  7. Destatis — Zensus 2022 religion by municipality
  8. Umweltbundesamt (UBA)
  9. Federal Foreign Office
  10. Make it in Germany
  11. Federal Ministry of Health (BMG)
  12. Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
  13. Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI)
  14. Federal Government — Deutschlandticket
  15. Familienportal des Bundes
  16. Deutsche Rentenversicherung
  17. Eurostat (European Commission)