Photo: Art and nature, which came out on top in the responses of Kankaanpää residents, are not as clearly seen among respondents from outside Finland. The photo shows Einar Mar Gudvardarson's Family work in the Art Circle, photographed by Maija Anttila.
Regional cities are the centers of their region and economic area, which form a working and shopping area around them, but are not provincial centers. Kankaanpää is one of 57 regional cities in Finland. The study conducted in April-May 2025 examines the attractiveness, image and awareness of regional cities. The data is based on a total of approximately 10 responses, of which Kankaanpää accounted for 400 responses. The study was conducted by Innolink Research Oy and is a continuation of the studies conducted in 367 and 2019.
Compared to the previous survey from 2022, the awareness of regional cities has increased, especially in already attractive cities, while the situation has further deteriorated in less well-known cities. The choice of place to live in regional cities is most strongly influenced by strong attraction factors, such as places to study, job opportunities and transport connections. The importance of the safety of the residential environment also rises in the responses.
The greatest potential for migration is to well-known, well-established regional cities with a good image and the largest population. Young families in particular are looking for more space and cheaper housing costs. The most important factors for immigrants when choosing a place to live are job opportunities, safety and transport connections.
Multi-site housing offers regional cities the opportunity to attract residents, especially in areas that combine remote work and leisure activities. Retention, or the persistence of residents, is supported primarily by services and security, while the deterioration of services can increase the willingness to move away.
Safety, nature and services as the mainstay of Kankaanpää
The most well-known and very positive regional cities are Kuusamo, Rauma and Kalajoki. Based on the external attractiveness index, Kankaanpää ranks 44th (46th in 2022), while in the internal attractiveness index comparison, the ranking is 10th (15th in 2022). Kankaanpää residents see their hometown in an even more positive light and value the safe living environment, nature and services most.
– Kankaanpää is a safe and pleasant hometown for its residents, where everyday life is comfortable and services are nearby. We are ranked in the top ten in internal attractiveness – this is a strong message that our own residents value their city, says the mayor Mika Hatanpaa.
Kankaanpää's strengths also include affordable and high-quality housing, diverse leisure opportunities and a strong local identity. The city offers a good framework for both living and doing business and is on a human scale, yet close to everything you need.
– We need to strengthen job and training opportunities, improve accessibility and transport connections, so that we can also strengthen our external attractiveness. We have a strong sense of community, which we want to cherish and highlight to all new residents, Hatanpää states.
According to Kankaanpää residents, art and nature, which came out on top in their hometown images, are not as clearly seen among outside respondents. In outsiders' responses, the garrison continues to emerge as the strongest association. In addition, the rehabilitation center and sports-related things, such as baseball, receive several mentions.
Read the Kankaanpää results: Kankaanpää city-specific report (PDF)
Read the full research report: Regional Cities Attractiveness Study 2025 (PDF)
Regional towns can be classified according to population as follows:
Cities with more than 30 inhabitants (4): Salo, Lohja, Rauma and Savonlinna
Cities with 20–000 inhabitants (8): Riihimäki, Raasepori, Imatra, Raahe, Sastamala, Tornio, Valkeakoski and Iisalmi
Cities with 10–000 inhabitants (26): Varkaus, Pietarsaari, Kurikka, Kemi, Hamina, Jämsä, Heinola, Äänekoski, Pieksämäki, Forssa, Akaa, Ylivieska, Loimaa, Kauhava, Kuusamo, Parainen, Uusikaupunki, Loviisa, Lapua, Kauhajoki, Kankaanpää, Kalajoki, Paimio, Alavus, Nivala and Lieksa
Cities with less than 10 inhabitants (19): Kitee, Huittinen, Mänttä-Vilppula, Keuruu, Alajärvi, Nurmes, Saarijärvi, Laitila, Somero, Kemijärvi, Oulainen, Ikaalinen, Kokemäki, Suonenjoki, Kristiinankaupunki, Parkano, Viitasaari, Kannus and Ähtäri
Additional information:
Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, network coordinator Susanna Issakainen, tel. +045 316 3103 XNUMX, [email protected]
Innolink, Account Manager Katja Helkala, tel. +040 771 7518 XNUMX, [email protected]
City of Kankaanpää, Mayor Mika Hatanpää, tel. 044 577 2210, [email protected]