Several Danish neighborhoods have officially been removed from the government’s so-called “ghetto list,” a move that signals improvements in safety, diversity, and social balance across the country.
Fewer Danish Neighborhoods Classified as Parallelsamfund
The latest update from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing shows fewer parallelsamfund—urban areas once marked by social and economic challenges. Denmark now counts only five such areas and seven vulnerable housing districts. Last year the figures were eight and twelve. Three housing areas, including Skovvejen/Skovparken in Kolding, Askerød in Greve, and Stengårdsvej in Esbjerg, have all dropped from both lists.
For residents in these communities, this change feels like long-awaited recognition. After years of stigma, their neighborhoods are finally being acknowledged for progress in crime reduction, education levels, and broader community engagement.
Life After the “Ghetto List” Label
Skovvejen/Skovparken in Kolding used to be on the national list of vulnerable districts. Many residents, however, say they never saw their homes as part of a ghetto. Over the past years, local authorities have focused on improving neighborhood safety, supporting employment programs, and renewing older housing blocks.
According to officials, the main reason for removal from the list is falling crime rates. Fewer residents now have criminal backgrounds, which has made a visible difference in safety levels. The result is that families feel more secure and the area’s reputation is improving among locals.
Interestingly, Esbjerg now has zero areas listed as parallelsamfund. The city once faced pressure to demolish public housing to meet government improvement requirements. Now, local leaders hope to continue strengthening the housing market through inclusive development and better social cohesion rather than relocation or demolition.
For comparison, other Danish cities such as Aarhus and Odense still have districts like Gellerupparken, Toveshøj, Bispehaven, and Vollsmose listed due to high rates of unemployment or limited educational attainment among residents. These areas continue to face targeted interventions from local councils and real estate cooperatives working to rebuild trust and community ties.
How the Government Defines a Parallelsamfund
A Danish housing area can be defined as a parallelsamfund if it has at least 1,000 residents, with more than half being non-Western immigrants or descendants. In addition, at least two of four other benchmarks must be met:
1. Over 40 percent of adults between 18 and 64 are outside employment or education.
2. Crime levels are at least three times the national average.
3. More than 60 percent of residents aged 30 to 59 have only a primary school education.
4. The average income for adults is under 55 percent of the regional average.
These criteria play a central role in determining not only whether an area is listed but also where government housing reform and community funding are directed. For many young Danes trying to settle or buy property, socio-economic classifications like these can directly influence access to financing and neighborhood appeal, tying into the larger challenge of entering the housing market.
Greve’s Next Challenge After Leaving the List
In Greve, Askerød has also been removed from the government’s lists, but local leaders remain cautious. They acknowledge that progress can easily reverse if attention fades. The area has often hovered between inclusion and exclusion, depending on small shifts in crime rates or employment statistics.
That is why the municipality plans to strengthen coordination between politicians, housing associations, and private investors. There is a shared goal to transform Askerød into a more connected part of the city rather than treating it as a separate enclave. The focus is shifting from simply getting off the list to building an integrated urban community.
Ongoing Efforts Across Denmark
While removal from the ghetto list does not erase years of social issues, it reflects measurable progress in urban planning, housing reform, and resident engagement. Danish cities continue to face complex demographic and economic challenges, but positive examples like Kolding, Greve, and Esbjerg show that community-driven change can make a difference.
Over time, improved living conditions and cohesive planning are expected to make these communities more attractive, potentially drawing interest from both current residents and newcomers seeking stable living environments.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Young Danes Struggle to Enter Housing Market
The Danish Dream: Best Real Estate Agents in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Nu er de af ‘Ghettolisten’ – men beboere undrer sig over, de overhovedet var på
