Show location profile
Profile ID:
SI-40611
City of Westerstede
District:
Population:
23,938
(As of: Dec 31, 2024)
Employment rate:
67.9 %
(As of: Jun 30, 2025)
Homepage:
Facts & Figures
Population²:
| Total | Female | Male | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inhabitants: | 23,938 | 12,133 (50.7 %) | 11,805 (49.3 %) |
| As of: Dec 31, 2024 | |||
| Age structure: |
Population density²:
| Inhabitants/km²: | 133.3 | |
| As of: Dec 31, 2024 | ||
Economic strength²:
|
€ per inhabitant (District of Ammerland) |
National comparison (Germany=100 %) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Gross domestic product 2023: | 41,096 | 82 % |
|
€ per employed person (District of Ammerland) |
National comparison (Germany=100 %) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Gross value added 2023 | ||
| - Production sector: | 84,615 | 80 % |
| - Service sector: | 68,963 | 90 % |
|
€ per inhabitant (City of Westerstede) |
State comparison (State=100 %) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Net revenue from local business tax 2024: | 412.35 | 58 % |
| Municipal share of income tax 2024: | 464.01 | 88 % |
Employment³:
| Total | Female | Male | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employed persons: | 12,122 | 6,113 (50.4 %) | 6,009 (49.6 %) |
| Change over previous year: | 345 (2.9 %) | ||
| Employment rate: | 67.9 % | ||
| As of: Jun 30, 2025 | |||
| Employed persons acc. to economic sectors: |
| In-commuters | Out-commuters | Balance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commuters: | 7,484 | 5,584 | 1,900 |
| As of: Jun 30, 2025 | |||
Infrastructure
Educational institutions²:
| Schools of general education 2024 (City of Westerstede) | |
| Elementary schools: | 5 |
| Secondary schools (Oberschulen): | 1 |
| Grammar schools: | 1 |
| Special schools: | 4 |
| Vocational schools 2024 (District of Ammerland) | |
| Vocational schools: | 2 |
| Vocational technical schools: | 1 |
| Technical secondary schools: | 1 |
| Vocational grammar schools: | 1 |
| Colleges: | 1 |
Living space¹:
| Price of residential building land: | 75.00 - 155.00 €/m² |
Transport¹:
| Comment on the transport infrastructure: | - Located in the center of the Bremen-Wilhelmshaven-Emden/Netherlands triangle - Located directly on the A 28 highway with 3 junctions in the Westerstede area - Upcoming direct connection to the future A 20 coastal highway, which represents an important building block for opening up the entire northern German region. - Direct connection to the Oldenburg-Leer railroad line with its own station in Westerstede-Ocholt - Public transport network extending far beyond the core town of Westerstede - Volunteer-operated community bus networks and long-distance bus connections - Westerstede airfield classified as a special landing site with asphalted runway |
Location
Location description¹:
Location / Accessibility
The excellent location of Westerstede is fundamental for location decision-makers. Situated in the center of the "Bremen - Wilhelmshaven - Emden/Netherlands" triangle in the Weser-Ems region, Westerstede scores with an excellent infrastructure and good connections to the supra-local road network in the Ammerland district. The A28 freeway with three junctions in the town area and the A29 and A31 freeways connect Westerstede with the neighboring towns of Oldenburg, Bremen, Wilhelmshaven, Emden and Leer. The Netherlands can also be reached quickly. The planned A20 coastal highway, which will provide even better access to northern Germany, will improve the location's connectivity in the future. The town is well connected to the surrounding area via the "Oldenburg - Leer" railroad line and the wide-ranging public transport network. Westerstede can also be reached by air: Just 4.5 kilometers from the town center is the Westerstede airfield, which is classified as a special airfield and is used by air sports enthusiasts, private and business pilots.
Transport infrastructure
Westerstede is a "town of short distances" in two respects: a well-developed transport network promotes the mobility of citizens in the town. All authorities and important facilities in the town area can be reached quickly and are happy to help with motivated staff - from the tax office to health insurance companies and the local court.
The public transport network extends far beyond the town center and includes buses to Oldenburg, some of which run every half hour. Westerstede is also well connected thanks to the Westerstede-Ocholt train station. From 2024, the "Wunderline", a fast international train connection between Groningen and Bremen, will bring the region closer together. Volunteer-run community bus networks and long-distance bus connections open up the surrounding rural area and round off Westerstede's good transport infrastructure. Drivers can look forward to numerous public parking spaces, which are available free of charge throughout the city, as well as commuter parking spaces on the A28 and in the surrounding area.
Economic potential
Westerstede has already made a name for itself as a "growth town in the countryside": a wide range of trade, craft and production companies characterize its corporate landscape. Specialist companies in the metalworking, IT, furniture and timber industries with national, European and in some cases global sales markets, as well as companies in the field of innovative technologies, including alternative drive technologies and micro-robotics, complete the diverse portfolio. With over 250 tree nurseries around Westerstede, the nationally renowned tree nursery industry has developed into an important economic sector. Diverse rhododendron cultures and in particular the renowned RHODO rhododendron show have made Westerstede known far beyond the borders of the Ammerland region. As a district town and medium-sized center, a strong service sector has developed in Westerstede. Well-known companies offer numerous jobs in the region, including Semcoglas, Telekom and above all the Westerstede Clinic Center, a combination of the Ammerland Clinic and the Bundeswehr Hospital, which is unique in Germany. There is also a wide range of restaurants in the state-approved resort town - from fine dining to small snack bars.
The economy in Westerstede benefits from many advantages: e.g. assessment rates for local taxes (trade tax: 340%, property tax: A 315% and B 325%) that are considerably below the state and national average, as well as a sufficient amount of affordable industrial and commercial space. Numerous support programs for small and medium-sized companies, local networks and regional partnerships, such as the Leader region Parklandschaft "das "Zusammerland", allow the growth city to continue to flourish. Rooted in the Northwest Metropolitan Region, business associations such as the Northwest Skilled Workers Alliance contribute to the city's economic success.
Industrial and commercial areas
Westerstede offers plenty of space for economic success: a number of industrial and commercial areas are available in prime locations, some directly on the federal highways: currently in 2024 a total of approx. 10 hectares, approx. 6 hectares of which are contiguous areas. There are also a number of vacant private sites. In order to strengthen its economic performance, Westerstede will continuously develop the existing industrial and commercial areas in order to offer new areas with good transport links - future-oriented and business-friendly.
Digital infrastructure
Good tradition and modern technology are closely linked in Westerstede. A proud 900 years old in 2023, the town center shines with the latest fiber optic broadband technology. Good coverage is also ensured in the industrial and commercial areas - mainly with fiber optics. As part of the Ammerland district's broadband initiative, all remaining areas will be connected by 2025.
Residential areas & local supply
The dream of owning your own home in the countryside is rewarded with affordable land prices in Westerstede. This is certainly one more reason why the feel-good town, which currently has around 24,000 inhabitants (12/2022), has welcomed around 1,000 more new residents in the last four years. The proximity to the university city of Oldenburg and the North Sea coast as well as the combination of dynamic economic power and relaxed rural idyll: Westerstede's appeal is growing. This is also evidenced by continuous population growth, a high level of construction activity and increasing demand for housing. With two full-range stores and three discount stores centrally located in the town center as well as shopping facilities in the larger villages such as Ocholt, a good local supply is guaranteed.
Quality of life
Living where others go on vacation: surrounded by natural beauty, the state-approved resort town of Westerstede is characterized by a high quality of life. The surrounding Ammerland region is a popular vacation destination for cyclists and nature lovers for good reason. Unique in Germany in spring is the vibrant riot of colors of the countless rhododendrons and azaleas that are native to the region. Embedded in an idyllic park landscape, peace and tranquillity can be felt everywhere in Westerstede and its 25 villages. The culture of volunteering is all the more active here: a diverse network of volunteer initiatives and associations pave the way for a lovable, social feel-good town. Westerstede is also considered safe and clean. New residents enjoy a warm welcome here. Civic participation is very popular. The good attitude to life in the town is also characterized by the local people: friendly and helpful, authentic and reliable.
Care & education
Westerstede is unquestionably family-friendly: from crèche and nursery to elementary school and grammar school to secondary and vocational schools, there is a comprehensive range of childcare and education options for families nearby. The university town of Oldenburg, 20 kilometers to the northwest, is also not far away. Westerstede keeps an eye on its children from an early age: In the "Kinderstede" campaign, children between the ages of nine and 13 take charge once a year and shape life in their very own children's town, including all civic rights and duties (www.Kinderstede.de).
Medical care
In the "health town in the countryside", young families, singles and older generations are assured of good medical care. As the location of the Klinikzentrum Westerstede, a unique nationwide cooperation between the Ammerland Clinic and the Bundeswehr Hospital, Westerstede fills its name with life every day (www.klinikzentrum.de). This also applies to a large number of general and specialist practices in the town area and to the numerous local institutions for healing and rehabilitation. Some of the hospital's specialist departments have an international reputation and treat patients from all over the world.
Leisure & culture
Active in the most beautiful natural idyll: an eventful range of leisure activities in and around Westerstede, e.g. a ride on the Draisine, a special bicycle on rails, a well-developed network of cycling and hiking trails in beautiful parkland, a shopping spree in the cozy town center and much more. The Zwischenahner Meer, the third largest inland lake in Lower Saxony, and water sports are also not far away. The local Hössen sports center and the Hössenbad water world offer muscle training, fitness and recreational fun. The state-approved resort is well-positioned in all sports sectors. Every season, traditional markets, culinary and cultural events in the town and the region ensure a convivial atmosphere. Culture in the goods station, a creative workshop in the Amtsschließerei, a lecture society and open-air theater: Westerstede has a multifaceted face in every respect.
The excellent location of Westerstede is fundamental for location decision-makers. Situated in the center of the "Bremen - Wilhelmshaven - Emden/Netherlands" triangle in the Weser-Ems region, Westerstede scores with an excellent infrastructure and good connections to the supra-local road network in the Ammerland district. The A28 freeway with three junctions in the town area and the A29 and A31 freeways connect Westerstede with the neighboring towns of Oldenburg, Bremen, Wilhelmshaven, Emden and Leer. The Netherlands can also be reached quickly. The planned A20 coastal highway, which will provide even better access to northern Germany, will improve the location's connectivity in the future. The town is well connected to the surrounding area via the "Oldenburg - Leer" railroad line and the wide-ranging public transport network. Westerstede can also be reached by air: Just 4.5 kilometers from the town center is the Westerstede airfield, which is classified as a special airfield and is used by air sports enthusiasts, private and business pilots.
Transport infrastructure
Westerstede is a "town of short distances" in two respects: a well-developed transport network promotes the mobility of citizens in the town. All authorities and important facilities in the town area can be reached quickly and are happy to help with motivated staff - from the tax office to health insurance companies and the local court.
The public transport network extends far beyond the town center and includes buses to Oldenburg, some of which run every half hour. Westerstede is also well connected thanks to the Westerstede-Ocholt train station. From 2024, the "Wunderline", a fast international train connection between Groningen and Bremen, will bring the region closer together. Volunteer-run community bus networks and long-distance bus connections open up the surrounding rural area and round off Westerstede's good transport infrastructure. Drivers can look forward to numerous public parking spaces, which are available free of charge throughout the city, as well as commuter parking spaces on the A28 and in the surrounding area.
Economic potential
Westerstede has already made a name for itself as a "growth town in the countryside": a wide range of trade, craft and production companies characterize its corporate landscape. Specialist companies in the metalworking, IT, furniture and timber industries with national, European and in some cases global sales markets, as well as companies in the field of innovative technologies, including alternative drive technologies and micro-robotics, complete the diverse portfolio. With over 250 tree nurseries around Westerstede, the nationally renowned tree nursery industry has developed into an important economic sector. Diverse rhododendron cultures and in particular the renowned RHODO rhododendron show have made Westerstede known far beyond the borders of the Ammerland region. As a district town and medium-sized center, a strong service sector has developed in Westerstede. Well-known companies offer numerous jobs in the region, including Semcoglas, Telekom and above all the Westerstede Clinic Center, a combination of the Ammerland Clinic and the Bundeswehr Hospital, which is unique in Germany. There is also a wide range of restaurants in the state-approved resort town - from fine dining to small snack bars.
The economy in Westerstede benefits from many advantages: e.g. assessment rates for local taxes (trade tax: 340%, property tax: A 315% and B 325%) that are considerably below the state and national average, as well as a sufficient amount of affordable industrial and commercial space. Numerous support programs for small and medium-sized companies, local networks and regional partnerships, such as the Leader region Parklandschaft "das "Zusammerland", allow the growth city to continue to flourish. Rooted in the Northwest Metropolitan Region, business associations such as the Northwest Skilled Workers Alliance contribute to the city's economic success.
Industrial and commercial areas
Westerstede offers plenty of space for economic success: a number of industrial and commercial areas are available in prime locations, some directly on the federal highways: currently in 2024 a total of approx. 10 hectares, approx. 6 hectares of which are contiguous areas. There are also a number of vacant private sites. In order to strengthen its economic performance, Westerstede will continuously develop the existing industrial and commercial areas in order to offer new areas with good transport links - future-oriented and business-friendly.
Digital infrastructure
Good tradition and modern technology are closely linked in Westerstede. A proud 900 years old in 2023, the town center shines with the latest fiber optic broadband technology. Good coverage is also ensured in the industrial and commercial areas - mainly with fiber optics. As part of the Ammerland district's broadband initiative, all remaining areas will be connected by 2025.
Residential areas & local supply
The dream of owning your own home in the countryside is rewarded with affordable land prices in Westerstede. This is certainly one more reason why the feel-good town, which currently has around 24,000 inhabitants (12/2022), has welcomed around 1,000 more new residents in the last four years. The proximity to the university city of Oldenburg and the North Sea coast as well as the combination of dynamic economic power and relaxed rural idyll: Westerstede's appeal is growing. This is also evidenced by continuous population growth, a high level of construction activity and increasing demand for housing. With two full-range stores and three discount stores centrally located in the town center as well as shopping facilities in the larger villages such as Ocholt, a good local supply is guaranteed.
Quality of life
Living where others go on vacation: surrounded by natural beauty, the state-approved resort town of Westerstede is characterized by a high quality of life. The surrounding Ammerland region is a popular vacation destination for cyclists and nature lovers for good reason. Unique in Germany in spring is the vibrant riot of colors of the countless rhododendrons and azaleas that are native to the region. Embedded in an idyllic park landscape, peace and tranquillity can be felt everywhere in Westerstede and its 25 villages. The culture of volunteering is all the more active here: a diverse network of volunteer initiatives and associations pave the way for a lovable, social feel-good town. Westerstede is also considered safe and clean. New residents enjoy a warm welcome here. Civic participation is very popular. The good attitude to life in the town is also characterized by the local people: friendly and helpful, authentic and reliable.
Care & education
Westerstede is unquestionably family-friendly: from crèche and nursery to elementary school and grammar school to secondary and vocational schools, there is a comprehensive range of childcare and education options for families nearby. The university town of Oldenburg, 20 kilometers to the northwest, is also not far away. Westerstede keeps an eye on its children from an early age: In the "Kinderstede" campaign, children between the ages of nine and 13 take charge once a year and shape life in their very own children's town, including all civic rights and duties (www.Kinderstede.de).
Medical care
In the "health town in the countryside", young families, singles and older generations are assured of good medical care. As the location of the Klinikzentrum Westerstede, a unique nationwide cooperation between the Ammerland Clinic and the Bundeswehr Hospital, Westerstede fills its name with life every day (www.klinikzentrum.de). This also applies to a large number of general and specialist practices in the town area and to the numerous local institutions for healing and rehabilitation. Some of the hospital's specialist departments have an international reputation and treat patients from all over the world.
Leisure & culture
Active in the most beautiful natural idyll: an eventful range of leisure activities in and around Westerstede, e.g. a ride on the Draisine, a special bicycle on rails, a well-developed network of cycling and hiking trails in beautiful parkland, a shopping spree in the cozy town center and much more. The Zwischenahner Meer, the third largest inland lake in Lower Saxony, and water sports are also not far away. The local Hössen sports center and the Hössenbad water world offer muscle training, fitness and recreational fun. The state-approved resort is well-positioned in all sports sectors. Every season, traditional markets, culinary and cultural events in the town and the region ensure a convivial atmosphere. Culture in the goods station, a creative workshop in the Amtsschließerei, a lecture society and open-air theater: Westerstede has a multifaceted face in every respect.
Collection rates¹:
| Local business tax: | 340 % |
| Local property tax A: | 280 % |
| Local property tax B: | 280 % |
Business promotion schemes¹:
LEADER region
District SME funding
GRW funding area
District SME funding
GRW funding area
Map
Business Sites in this location¹:
-
Willerfang industrial estate (Ocholterfeld)../
../ ../wst-lk-gf/en/profile/GF-59058 -
Hollriede industrial estate../
../ ../wst-lk-gf/en/profile/GF-58821 -
Westerstede-West industrial estate../
../ ../wst-lk-gf/en/profile/GF-57363
Properties in this location¹:
-
9,500 m² commercial property with existing stock (office, warehouse, halls)../
../ ../wst-lk-gi/en/profile/GI-67574 -
Office space in the center of Westerstede../
../ ../wst-lk-gi/en/profile/GI-68229 -
Office/practice space in the city center of Westerstede, Am Markt../
../ ../wst-lk-gi/en/profile/GI-68258 -
Shop/business premises in the center of Westerstede, near the clinic../
../ ../wst-lk-gi/en/profile/GI-68507 -
Workshop and warehouse with office space in the industrial park in Westerstede../
../ ../wst-lk-gi/en/profile/GI-68667
Contact
Contact:
Stadt Westerstede
Am Markt 2
26655 Westerstede
26655 Westerstede
| Phone: | +49 4488 55-0 |
| Fax: | +49 4488 55-55 |
| Homepage: | http://www.westerstede.de |
| E-mail: |  |
Contact partner:
Mr. Michael Rösner, Mayor
Phone: +49 4488 55-118
E-mail:
Mr. Ingo Leffers, Head of department
Phone: +49 4488 55-140
E-mail:
Mr. Jörg Nappe, Head of the Office for Real Estate, Economic Development and Marketing
Phone: +49 4488 55-139
E-mail:
| Sources: | ¹ | Own Survey (Last update on Mar 3, 2025) |
| ² |
LSNhttp://www.statistik.niedersachsen.de/ - Niedersachsen State Statistical Office, State Statistical Office of Bremen http://www.statistik.bremen.de/ (As of: date specified)
|
|
| ³ |
Statistics from the German Federal Employment Agencyhttp://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de/ (As of: date specified), Note on Data Use http:/ |
|
| The statistical data have been updated to include the most recent available figures on May 13, 2026 |
