Swiss municipalities are employing more administrative staff than ever before, according to a new analysis by the Institute for Swiss Economic Policy (IWP) at the University of Lucerne.

The study shows a significant rise in the number of administrative roles per resident, particularly in suburban areas.

Between 2011 and 2022, suburban municipalities saw a 15.6% increase in administrative positions per capita. Rural areas followed with a 12.9% rise, while core cities experienced a more modest 9.7% growth. Suburban areas also led in personnel spending, with a 13.5% increase per resident. In comparison, spending in rural municipalities rose by 6.6%, and just 2.6% in cities.

Despite this, cities still employ the most staff overall and spend the most per resident. On average, cities have 19.6 full-time public employees per 1,000 residents, compared to 9.6 in suburban municipalities and 7.7 in rural areas. Personnel spending in cities averages CHF 2,545 (about $3,095) per person, while rural areas spend CHF 2,205 and suburban municipalities CHF 1,798.

Urbanisation driving growth

The IWP attributes the sharp rise in suburban bureaucracy to urbanisation. As suburban populations grow, they take on more responsibilities and functions traditionally managed by city centers. Researchers note that public services can be delivered efficiently up to a certain population size—but beyond that point, costs rise as administrations become more complex and professionalised.

Increased investment in areas such as culture, sports, and leisure also contributes to the growing administrative burden in suburban communities. Photo by Harald Groven, Wikimedia commons.