NRW municipalities in the ranking: Monheim leads, Kranenburg at the bottom!

NRW municipalities in the ranking: Monheim leads, Kranenburg at the bottom!

The 2025 municipal ranking brings interesting insights into the situation of the cities and municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). In the current assessment, which is being published today, there are positive and negative things to report for the country's municipalities. This shows that no municipality from North Rhine-Westphalia is among the top 1 percent of the 10,648 German municipalities evaluated. However, Monheim am Rhein can be celebrated as the best-placed city in North Rhine-Westphalia and is ranked 129th. In contrast, Kranenburg is the bottom municipality and is ranked 10,371st Radio Herne reported.

The analysis also shows that five NRW municipalities are ranked among the top 1,000, an increase compared to three in 2023. In general, the average ranking of NRW municipalities has improved from 6,276 to 6,045. Performance is particularly strong in the regions of Münsterland, Sauerland and western East Westphalia. The best ten municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia are:

• 1. Monheim am Rhein
• 2. Verl
• 3. Leverkusen
• 4. Bad Wünnenberg
• 5. Langenfeld

Regional differences

A closer look at the geographical distribution shows that the best rankings are concentrated in a few regions. In the Cologne administrative region, Leverkusen reached fifth place, while Nettersheim and Odenthal landed in 17th and 36th place. In the Münster administrative district, however, there has been a significant deterioration compared to previous years, as was also the case IW Consult reported.

Despite this positive news, there are also major challenges to overcome in NRW. The dynamism of the municipalities has decreased compared to 2023. While the Ruhr area remains a problem child, the Münsterland is showing positive development trends. Structural and economic problems weigh on many bottom performers. The topics that need to be addressed are digitalization, a shortage of skilled workers and a lack of living space. Improving the infrastructure, for example in the areas of broadband and transport, remains a key challenge for many municipalities.

Financial situation of the municipalities

The current financial situation of cities and municipalities has also deteriorated. According to a survey by the North Rhine-Westphalia Association of Cities, no city or municipality expects an improvement in its financial situation. By 2028, six out of ten municipalities will use up their reserves, and 42 municipalities are already in budget security or in an emergency budget. This shows how urgently reforms in financing are needed. Mayors from 355 cities have already informed Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst of the serious situation, as stated on the website Municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia is to be read.

In view of these challenges, cities and municipalities are calling for an increase in the local tax share in order to improve financial resources and prevent deterioration in performance. The accumulation of burdens could otherwise endanger local self-government.