Open Data Insight of the Day

Nestled in the Bezirk Arlesheim, the municipality of Aesch is a picturesque community located at an altitude of 317 meters above sea level. Covering a total surface area of 740 hectares, Aesch is characterized by its diverse land use, with 37.8% dedicated to settlement, 44.5% to agriculture, and 16.4% to forested areas. Table 2 provides a comprehensive summary of the key features of this municipality, while Figure 1 illustrates its geographic location on the map.

Aesch boasts a rich historical tapestry, as detailed in its Wikipedia entry. The area has been inhabited since ancient times, with archaeological evidence from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman periods. The municipality was first mentioned around 1100 and was part of the Bishopric of Basel during the Middle Ages. It experienced a Protestant Reformation from 1529 to 1585 before being re-Catholicized. Following the dissolution of the Bishopric in 1792, Aesch briefly became part of the Raurach Republic and later fell under French control during the Napoleonic era, eventually joining the canton of Basel in 1815. For more detailed historical information, visit the Wikipedia page.

As of 2024, Aesch has a population of 11,253 residents, with a nearly balanced gender ratio of 5,752 women and 5,501 men. The community ranks ninth in population size within the canton. The demographic breakdown shows that 28.07% of the population are foreigners, while the majority are Swiss citizens. The age distribution includes 1,923 children, 6,790 working-age adults, and 2,540 older adults. Table 2 provides insights into the population by age groups since 2005.

Aesch's land use is well-distributed across its 740 hectares, with settlement areas comprising 37.8% of the land, agricultural areas 44.5%, and forests covering 16.4%. This balanced use of land reflects the community's commitment to maintaining both development and natural spaces.

In terms of fiscal matters, Aesch generates significant tax revenue, ranking 11th among the 86 municipalities of Baselland. The tax revenue per adult capita is noteworthy, and the municipal tax multiplier is ranked 75th, indicating a competitive tax environment within the canton.

Energy consumption in Aesch is diverse, with electricity consumption in 2022 amounting to 47,712.82 MWh, ranking the municipality 26th in per capita electricity use among the canton’s municipalities. Other energy carriers include natural gas (50,153.68 MWh), heating oil (40,178.26 MWh), wood (2,691.08 MWh), photovoltaic (4,069.17 MWh), thermal solar energy (592.67 MWh), and environmental heat (4,831.17 MWh). The presence or absence of industrial activity can significantly influence these figures, leading to variations in per capita consumption.