Schleswig-Holstein municipal debt rises to 5.6 billion euros

Municipal debt in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein has increased by 19.5 percent compared to the end of 2024, reaching a total of 5.6 billion euros, according to data from Statistikamt Nord.

Of this total, 3.2 billion euros are attributed to district-affiliated municipalities, 1.7 billion euros to independent cities, and 0.7 billion euros to district and municipal administrations. Among independent cities, Neumünster saw the most significant increase, with debt rising by more than 50 percent. Kiel and Lübeck also experienced increases of approximately 20 percent.

In contrast, the city of Flensburg managed to reduce its debt by 13 percent. On a per capita basis, Kiel recorded the highest debt at 3,482 euros, while Flensburg recorded the lowest at 259 euros. Across the state, the average debt per inhabitant stands at 1,909 euros.

Out of 1,104 municipalities in Schleswig-Holstein, 368 reported no debt in the non-public sector at the end of 2025. These debt-free municipalities are primarily smaller, administrative-affiliated communities with an average population of 610 residents.