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Source: CBS Kerncijfers wijken & buurten
Number of establishments
Enschede is a vibrant mid-sized municipality in the eastern Netherlands with 161,738 inhabitants and a diverse, resilient economic base. The city hosts 17,865 business establishments across a broad range of sectors, with zakelijke dienstverlening (business services) leading at 4,035 locations, closely followed by handel en horeca (retail and hospitality) at 3,870 establishments. Significant presence in overheid, onderwijs en zorg (government, education, and healthcare) with 3,265 venues, plus nijverheid en energie (manufacturing and energy) at 2,095 locations, demonstrates a well-balanced economy that extends well beyond single-sector dependency. This sectoral diversity creates a lively urban environment with multiple commercial opportunities.
For commercial real estate seekers, Enschede presents an attractive market with solid fundamentals. The municipality's working population of 81,920 with a net labour participation rate of 66 percent ensures a stable supply of skilled employees, while average annual income per capita of €29,800 reflects moderate purchasing power across the local catchment area. With 11,376 non-residential properties already in circulation, the market offers proven liquidity. The dominance of business services and retail-hospitality sectors signals particular strength in office and public-facing retail opportunities, making Enschede especially suitable for service providers, hospitality entrepreneurs, and companies seeking proximity to an educated, engaged local workforce and consumer base.
CBS dataset: 85984NED · Last updated: June 29, 2026
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At a glance
Office space for rent in Enschede: 1 property. 100% of listings carry energy label A or better.