Structure-related issues plague Pforzheim, according to the report.

Report Examines Disparities in Pforzheim, Revealing Its Vulnerabilities in Depth

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2025 August 27 . 8:20 AM

2 min read

Pforzheim grapples with 'fundamental difficulties' as per the research findings

News Article: Socioeconomic Challenges Facing Pforzheim Highlighted in Disparity Report

A recent study by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, in collaboration with the Institute for Regional and Urban Development Research (ILS), has shed light on the socioeconomic disparities faced by Pforzheim and other districts in Germany. The Disparity Report on Inequality Among German Districts highlights that Pforzheim, as part of the structurally challenged regions, faces significant challenges.

The report identifies several key issues confronting Pforzheim. Peripheralization is a major challenge, with Pforzheim experiencing diminished economic prospects due to its peripheral location relative to highly dynamic urban centers. The city's surroundings are affluent, but it neighbors "dynamic cities with increased exclusion risk" such as Karlsruhe and Stuttgart. Pforzheim, along with Baden-Baden, is classified as a "region with partial adaptation barriers."

The report also points to structural economic weaknesses linked to Pforzheim's industrial past, which hinder adaptation to knowledge-driven economic growth. These regions have "strongly above-average poverty risks for children and the elderly" and are affected by several strong factors, including lower proportions of knowledge-based professions and below-average attractiveness for foreign skilled workers.

These challenges contribute to political shifts, evidenced by increased support for the AfD party in districts with similar structural challenges. The report shows a correlation between socioeconomic inequalities and political outcomes, with higher support for anti-democratic parties in regions facing socioeconomic disparities.

Interestingly, Pforzheim shares this evaluation with the city district of Heilbronn. However, the evaluation does not indicate Pforzheim as having particularly high or low wealth compared to the state of Baden-Württemberg as a whole. In Baden-Württemberg and Hamburg, the most inheritance and money gifts are given, averaging between 120,000 and 250,000 euros per death before tax. On the other hand, in all eastern German states, the value inherited per death ranges between 10,000 and 20,000 euros per death.

The evaluation of Pforzheim's wealth and poverty is separate from the evaluation of its challenges related to its industrial past and structural issues. The report reveals significant differences between districts, even on a small scale. Special efforts are needed, especially in skilled workers and investments, for regions with adaptation barriers. The report situates Pforzheim among districts with systemic economic transformations and social exclusion risks that require policy attention to reduce disparities and foster more equitable development across Germany.

Voter participation in these regions is poorer, and the cities have "persistent problem areas" and are caught in a "negative cycle of overlapping socio-economic challenges." The Disparity Report evaluates districts in terms of various social and economic challenges, highlighting the need for targeted policies to address these issues and promote more balanced development across Germany.

[1] Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. (2021). Disparity Report on Inequality Among German Districts. Retrieved from https://www.fes.de/en/arbeitsbereiche/politik-und-gesellschaft/disparity-report/2021/