Socioeconomic and demographic analysis of the city of Kerava

MDI conducted a comprehensive socioeconomic, demographic analysis of Kerava to support planning in respect of the city’s housing policy. It also updated an earlier migration analysis and examined the city’s possible segregation development. The study included a city level analysis as well aa internal neighbourhood level analyses. The development of Kerava was compared to other cities along the main railway line in the Helsinki region (e.g,. Vantaa, Järvenpää and Hyvinkää).

The study identified Kerava’s demographic development as strong, but relatively one-sided in terms of socio-demographic structure. The importance of foreign-language speakers for the city’s growth is huge, both in terms of international and internal migration. At the same time, the impact of major demographic trends affecting the country as a whole was recognised in Kerava: the city’s population is ageing and, like in the rest of the country, the birth rate is low.

The study highlighted the challenging situation of the city of Kerava in terms of socioeconomic and (material) well-being. In particular, the development of these themes was associated with exceptionally weak trends. In addition to Kerava, the challenging developments affect Vantaa in particular, but also Järvenpää to a lesser extent. There were also large differences in development terms at the district level in Kerava, highlighting the differentiated development of deprivation in the municipality.

In terms of housing, the main trends observed in Kerava were a decrease in the number of household-dwelling units and an increase in rental housing. There were also notable differences in these trends between districts. In addition, clear risks of segregation were identified in individual districts.

The results of the work were reported in a key findings report and a broader report on individual variables used in the study. The results of the work were presented at a separate event to the City Council.