Settlement and commuting patterns

In the area of settlement and commuting, AKF conducts research into, among other things:

• Consequences of migration and commuting for the labour market
• Commuting catchment areas
• Housing preferences and motives for moving

Labour market, migration and commuting

The labour force in Denmark has become more mobile in recent years. This benefits companies, which ultimately have access to more potential workers. Workers also come out of spells of unemployment faster when more workplaces are within reach. A drawback of increased commuting, however, is increased road congestion, which has become an ever-greater problem in Denmark, especially in larger towns. Even when it is possible to move closer to the workplace, very few actually choose this solution. The main reasons given are housing prices, family-related motives or plans to change workplaces.

Commuting catchment areas

AKF examines which areas in Denmark are interconnected when it comes to commuting. The clearest trend is that catchment areas are growing larger and larger, which reflects the increasing average commuting distance. The state transport allowance helps create more road congestion, but it can also help minimise movements from a specific area. The allowance was raised for selected local authorities from assessment year 2004. In order to maintain even regional economic growth in Denmark, both the transport allowance and the infrastructure can help underpin this development.

Housing preferences and motives for moving

Only very few point to work as the most important reason for moving. Many often move because of family, housing and work-related motives. When examining movements over time, the economic trends and the type and state of housing are crucial factors. For instance, for many years, Copenhagen experienced a high degree of movement away from the city, but urban renewal and economic growth have changed that.