Open Data Insight of the Day

Nestled within the Bezirk Arlesheim, the municipality of Biel-Benken is a picturesque community in the Basel-Landschaft canton of Switzerland. Situated at an altitude of 325 meters above sea level, it spans a total surface area of 412 hectares. Table 2 provides a comprehensive summary of the municipality's key features, while Figure 1 illustrates its location on the map.

Biel-Benken boasts a rich history that dates back to the 13th century. Originally owned by the Basel knightly family of Schaler, the villages of Biel and Benken were sold to the city of Basel in 1526. Following the Reformation in 1529, they became part of a reformed parish. On January 1, 1972, the two villages merged to form the current municipality of Biel-Benken. For more historical insights, visit the Wikipedia page.

As of 2024, Biel-Benken is home to a population of 3,508 residents. The demographic breakdown reveals that 15.74% of the population are foreigners, while Swiss citizens constitute the majority. The community comprises 629 young individuals (0-17 years), 2,036 working-age adults (18-65 years), and 843 older adults (over 65 years). The gender distribution is relatively balanced, with 1,786 women and 1,722 men. Within the canton, Biel-Benken ranks 22nd in terms of total population. Table 2 further details the population by age groups since 2005.

The land use in Biel-Benken is predominantly agricultural, covering 52.2% of the total area. Settlement areas account for 27.7%, while forests make up 20.1% of the landscape.

In terms of fiscal matters, Biel-Benken generates a tax revenue that ranks 22nd among the 86 municipalities of Baselland. The tax revenue per adult capita is noteworthy, and the municipal tax multiplier is a crucial factor in the community's financial standing, ranking it among the top municipalities in the canton.

Energy consumption in Biel-Benken is diverse, with electricity accounting for 9,193.8 MWh in 2022. Other significant energy carriers include heating oil (17,916.81 MWh), wood (6,103 MWh), and photovoltaic (4,183.178 MWh). The municipality ranks 74th in electricity consumption per capita among all municipalities in the canton. This relatively low per capita consumption can be attributed to the absence of large industrial activities, which typically drive higher electricity usage.

The vehicle stock in Biel-Benken reflects a growing trend towards sustainable transportation. As of 2026, the municipality boasts a total of 2,271 passenger cars and delivery vans. Of these, 454 are electric vehicles, constituting 20% of the total vehicle stock. The remaining vehicles predominantly run on petrol or diesel. Table 3 provides further insights into the vehicle distribution.