Change North Saxony: Hike, Births and the Future of the Communities!

Change North Saxony: Hike, Births and the Future of the Communities!

The district of North Saxony, inextricably linked to the beautiful Leipzig lowland bay, was launched in 2008 as part of a regional reform and is the fourth largest but at the thinest populated district in Saxony. Its rural character gives the region its very own charm. But what is happening in Northern Saxony? According to lvz.de, new local indicators were published in 2023. These contain valuable information on demography, influx, workers, tax revenue and more.

we look at the population development: since 1990 the population in northern Saxony has decreased by more than 36,000 inhabitants. However, the acceptance has slowed down, which could be a positive sign. More people now live in a third of the communities than ten years ago. The development in Schkeuditz, which has grown by 14%, is particularly gratifying, followed by Rackwitz and Krostitz with 12% growth. On the other hand, there are concerns of losses in communities such as Dommitzsch, where the population has shrunk by 14%.

demographic challenges and opportunities

A critical point that the new data show is the need for professionals. Hardly any community has enough young workers here. In Dommitzsch, the potential lack of workforce is 75%. Forecasts indicate that the number of workers will continue to decrease in most municipalities by 2040. But there are bright spots: in Dahlen, Schönwölkau and Laußig the influx is more stable and leads to migration.

A look at unemployment shows a mixed picture: While the quota in Torgau is the highest at 10%, Dreiheide and Jesewitz shine with only 2%. For many North Saxons, commuting to Leipzig is the order of the day and offers good professional perspectives.

construction activity and living space

The housing market in the Leipzig area is known to be tense, and North Saxony also has to respond to an increase in living space demand. Schönwölkau recorded the largest increase in apartments with +1.9% in 2023, while in Trossin the apartments are 59 square meters in size - compared to only 42 square meters in Eilenburg. This shows that the living space is very popular in certain communities.

Not everything runs smoothly: in many communities there is an acute lack of teachers, especially in special subjects. In addition, it turns out that the utilization of the daycare centers is often over 80%, while in Bad Düben only 68% of the places are occupied.

generation work in the focus

Another important aspect that strengthens cohesion in the Saxon communities is the initiative of the Saxon Generational Agency. This praises the Saxon Generations Award 2025 to promote projects for cross-generational cooperation. A total of 15,000 euros in prize money will be awarded on October 22, 2025 in the Burgtheater Bautzen. Interested cities and municipalities can submit their suggestions by August 15, 2025. This will specifically promote networking and support in social interaction.

Nordsachsen has an exciting time ahead of them, with challenges, but also many ways to actively shape the future. It remains to be seen how the initiatives develop and what impulses they will bring for the region.