2026 comparison
Boulogne-sur-Mer vs Dunkerque: 2026 comparison
Dunkerque has more inhabitants than Boulogne-sur-Mer: 87,442 versus 40,924, or 2.1 times as many. Dunkerque covers a larger area (43.9 km² versus 8.4 km²), but Boulogne-sur-Mer is more densely populated: 4,860 inhabitants per km² versus 1,992.
The median apartment price is higher in Dunkerque: €2,144 per m² versus €1,613. The median standard of living is higher in Dunkerque (€22,790 a year versus €19,800).
The two cities are 61 km apart as the crow flies.
Boulogne-sur-Mer
City in Pas-de-Calais
FPas-de-Calais62Hauts-de-France
- Population
- 40,924 inhab.
- 198th in France · 3rd in its department
- Area
- 8.4 km²
- Density
- 4,860 per km²
Dunkerque
City in Nord
- Population
- 87,442 inhab.
- 54th in France · 4th in its department
- Area
- 43.9 km²
- Density
- 1,992 per km²
Population
Population and demographics
Municipal population since 1876
Boulogne-sur-MerDunkerque
| Criterion | Boulogne-sur-Mer | Dunkerque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population inhab.More populous: Dunkerque2.1 times as high | 40,924 | 87,442 | More populous: Dunkerque2.1 times as high |
| Change over 5 yearsSmaller decline: Boulogne-sur-Mer+0.4 pt | −0.3% | −0.7% | Smaller decline: Boulogne-sur-Mer+0.4 pt |
| Change over 10 yearsSmaller decline: Dunkerque+0.7 pt | −4.7% | −4.0% | Smaller decline: Dunkerque+0.7 pt |
| Density per km²Denser: Boulogne-sur-Mer2.4 times as high | 4,860 | 1,992 | Denser: Boulogne-sur-Mer2.4 times as high |
| Under 15More young people: Boulogne-sur-Mer+0.3 pt | 16.6% | 16.3% | More young people: Boulogne-sur-Mer+0.3 pt |
| 65 and overMore seniors: Dunkerque+2.6 pts | 20.2% | 22.8% | More seniors: Dunkerque+2.6 pts |
| People per householdLarger households: Dunkerque+0.09 | 1.92 | 2.01 | Larger households: Dunkerque+0.09 |
Sources: INSEE, official population figures, INSEE, censuses, INSEE, census
Housing
Real estate prices and housing
| Criterion | Boulogne-sur-Mer | Dunkerque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median apartment price €/m²More expensive: Dunkerque+33% | 1,613 | 2,144 | More expensive: Dunkerque+33% |
| Median house price €/m²More expensive: Dunkerque+20% | 1,610 | 1,939 | More expensive: Dunkerque+20% |
| Apartment rent €/m² per month, utilities includedMore expensive: Dunkerque+18% | 11.5 | 13.5 | More expensive: Dunkerque+18% |
| House rent €/m² per month, utilities includedMore expensive: Dunkerque+17% | 9.5 | 11.1 | More expensive: Dunkerque+17% |
| Homeowner householdsMore homeowners: Dunkerque+15 pts | 30.0% | 45.5% | More homeowners: Dunkerque+15 pts |
| Share of housesMore houses: Dunkerque+14 pts | 26.4% | 40.7% | More houses: Dunkerque+14 pts |
| Social housing (SRU law) share of primary residences | 38.1% | — | |
| Second homesMore second homes: Boulogne-sur-Mer+0.1 pt | 4.0% | 3.9% | More second homes: Boulogne-sur-Mer+0.1 pt |
| Vacant homesMore vacant homes: Boulogne-sur-Mer+1.6 pt | 8.5% | 6.9% | More vacant homes: Boulogne-sur-Mer+1.6 pt |
| Property tax (combined rate)Higher rate: Boulogne-sur-Mer+6.1 pts | 57.59% | 51.49% | Higher rate: Boulogne-sur-Mer+6.1 pts |
Sources: DGFiP (DVF), Ministry of Housing (rent map), INSEE, census, Ministry for the Ecological Transition (SRU), DGFiP, local taxation
Income and jobs
Residents’ income and jobs
| Criterion | Boulogne-sur-Mer | Dunkerque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median standard of living €/yearHigher: Dunkerque+15% | 19,800 | 22,790 | Higher: Dunkerque+15% |
| Poverty rateHigher: Boulogne-sur-Mer+7.8 pts | 30.5% | 22.7% | Higher: Boulogne-sur-Mer+7.8 pts |
| Average taxable income per householdHigher: Dunkerque+27% | €20,197 | €25,682 | Higher: Dunkerque+27% |
| Households paying income taxMore taxpaying households: Dunkerque+6.8 pts | 34% | 40% | More taxpaying households: Dunkerque+6.8 pts |
| Activity rate (ages 15-64)Higher: Dunkerque+1.7 pt | 70.5% | 72.1% | Higher: Dunkerque+1.7 pt |
| Unemployment rate (census)Higher: Boulogne-sur-Mer+3.7 pts | 21.6% | 17.9% | Higher: Boulogne-sur-Mer+3.7 pts |
Sources: INSEE, Filosofi, DGFiP, income tax, INSEE, census
Local life
Town hall and fiber internet
| Criterion | Boulogne-sur-Mer | Dunkerque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Frédéric Cuvillier | Patrice Vergriete | |
| Political label of the mayor’s list (2026 local elections) | Socialist Party | miscellaneous centre | |
| Premises with fiberBetter covered: Boulogne-sur-Mer+6.3 pts | 100% | 93% | Better covered: Boulogne-sur-Mer+6.3 pts |
Sources: Ministry of the Interior, register of elected officials, Ministry of the Interior, Arcep
Shops and facilities
Shops, leisure and transportation
| Criterion | Boulogne-sur-Mer | Dunkerque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shops per 10,000 inhab.More shops per capita: Boulogne-sur-Mer+4% | 62.1254 in total | 59.8523 in total | More shops per capita: Boulogne-sur-Mer+4% |
| Food shops per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Boulogne-sur-Mer+33% | 23.797 in total | 17.8156 in total | More per capita: Boulogne-sur-Mer+33% |
| Restaurants per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Boulogne-sur-Mer+4% | 38.9159 in total | 37.3326 in total | More per capita: Boulogne-sur-Mer+4% |
| Sports facilities per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Dunkerque+23% | 14.258 in total | 17.5153 in total | More per capita: Dunkerque+23% |
| Cultural venues per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Boulogne-sur-Mer+46% | 3.213 in total | 2.219 in total | More per capita: Boulogne-sur-Mer+46% |
| Hotels per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Boulogne-sur-Mer+42% | 2.410 in total | 1.715 in total | More per capita: Boulogne-sur-Mer+42% |
| Passenger train stationsMore stations: Boulogne-sur-Mer+1 | 2 | 1 | More stations: Boulogne-sur-Mer+1 |
Number of facilities per 10,000 inhabitants (total count in small print). Source: INSEE, facilities database (BPE)
Health
Health care
| Criterion | Boulogne-sur-Mer | Dunkerque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to general practitioners visits/inhab./year localized potential accessibilityBetter access: Boulogne-sur-Mer+32% | 4.7 | 3.5 | Better access: Boulogne-sur-Mer+32% |
| General practitioners per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Boulogne-sur-Mer+17% | 9.840 in total | 8.373 in total | More per capita: Boulogne-sur-Mer+17% |
| Medical specialists per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Dunkerque+55% | 8.836 in total | 13.6119 in total | More per capita: Dunkerque+55% |
| Dentists per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Dunkerque+34% | 5.422 in total | 7.263 in total | More per capita: Dunkerque+34% |
| Pharmacies per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Boulogne-sur-Mer+4% | 4.418 in total | 4.237 in total | More per capita: Boulogne-sur-Mer+4% |
| HospitalsTie | 7 | 7 | Tie |
Practitioners and facilities per 10,000 inhabitants (total count in small print); access to doctors includes those in neighboring communes. Sources: Ministry of Health (DREES), APL, INSEE, facilities database (BPE), Ministry of Health (Finess)
Education
Schools and colleges
| Criterion | Boulogne-sur-Mer | Dunkerque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary schoolsMore schools: Dunkerque+28 | 24 | 52 | More schools: Dunkerque+28 |
| Middle schoolsMore middle schools: Dunkerque+5 | 8 | 13 | More middle schools: Dunkerque+5 |
| High schoolsMore high schools: Dunkerque+8 | 4 | 12 | More high schools: Dunkerque+8 |
| Higher education institutions and programsMore facilities: Dunkerque+4 | 5 | 9 | More facilities: Dunkerque+4 |
Sources: Ministry of Education, INSEE, facilities database (BPE)
Recorded crime
Offenses recorded by the police
| Criterion | Boulogne-sur-Mer | Dunkerque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home burglaries per 1,000 homesHigher rate: Boulogne-sur-Mer+88% | 8.0 | 4.3 | Higher rate: Boulogne-sur-Mer+88% |
| Non-violent thefts per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Dunkerque+4% | 10.0 | 10.5 | Higher rate: Dunkerque+4% |
| Physical violence outside the family per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Boulogne-sur-Mer+82% | 8.9 | 4.9 | Higher rate: Boulogne-sur-Mer+82% |
| Vehicle thefts per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Dunkerque+40% | 1.1 | 1.5 | Higher rate: Dunkerque+40% |
| Vandalism and property damage per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Boulogne-sur-Mer+45% | 17.1 | 11.8 | Higher rate: Boulogne-sur-Mer+45% |
Offenses recorded in the commune by the police and gendarmerie, per 1,000 inhabitants (per 1,000 homes for burglaries); this is not the actual crime level. Rates for the latest published year. Source: Ministry of the Interior (SSMSI)
Climate
Temperature, sunshine and rain
| Criterion | Boulogne-sur-Mer | Dunkerque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureWarmer: Dunkerque+0.5 °C | 11.2°C | 11.7°C | Warmer: Dunkerque+0.5 °C |
| Sunshine h/year | 1,710 | — | |
| Rainfall mm/yearWetter: Boulogne-sur-Mer+19% | 825 | 691 | Wetter: Boulogne-sur-Mer+19% |
| Rainy days days/year at least 1 mmMore rainy days: Boulogne-sur-Mer+6 days/year | 127 | 121 | More rainy days: Boulogne-sur-Mer+6 days/year |
| Frost days days/yearMore frost days: Boulogne-sur-Mer+2 days/year | 19 | 17 | More frost days: Boulogne-sur-Mer+2 days/year |
| Very hot days days/year 30 °C or moreTie | 2 | 2 | Tie |
Climate normals from the reference Météo-France station of each commune. Source: Météo-France, climate normals
Natural hazards
Natural disasters and prevention
| Criterion | Boulogne-sur-Mer | Dunkerque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural disasters declared since 1982More declarations: Dunkerque+1 | 25 | 26 | More declarations: Dunkerque+1 |
| Natural hazard prevention plansMore plans: Boulogne-sur-Mer+1 | 2 | 1 | More plans: Boulogne-sur-Mer+1 |
| Radon potentialSame | Low | Low | Same |
Sources: Géorisques (GASPAR), IRSN
Land
Area, terrain and administrative areas
| Criterion | Boulogne-sur-Mer | Dunkerque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area km²Larger: Dunkerque5.2 times as high | 8.42 | 43.9 | Larger: Dunkerque5.2 times as high |
| Town hall elevationHigher: Boulogne-sur-Mer+44 m | 51 m | 7 m | Higher: Boulogne-sur-Mer+44 m |
| Coastal communeSame | Yes (sea) | Yes (sea) | Same |
| Density grid (INSEE)Same | Large urban centre | Large urban centre | Same |
| Department | Pas-de-Calais (62) | Nord (59) | |
| Intercommunality | Communauté d'agglomération du Boulonnais | Communauté urbaine de Dunkerque | |
| Urban unit | Boulogne-sur-Mer | Dunkerque | |
| Functional area | Boulogne-sur-Mer | Dunkerque |
Sources: IGN, IGN, elevation, Ministry for the Ecological Transition, Loi Littoral, INSEE, density grid, INSEE, COG, INSEE, geographic classifications
Summary
Boulogne-sur-Mer vs Dunkerque at a glance
| Criterion | Boulogne-sur-Mer | Dunkerque |
|---|---|---|
| Population inhab. | 40,924 | 87,442 |
| Change over 10 years | −4.7% | −4.0% |
| Density per km² | 4,860 | 1,992 |
| Median apartment price €/m² | 1,613 | 2,144 |
| Median house price €/m² | 1,610 | 1,939 |
| Apartment rent €/m² | 11.5 | 13.5 |
| Property tax (combined rate) | 57.59% | 51.49% |
| Median standard of living €/year | 19,800 | 22,790 |
| Unemployment rate (census) | 21.6% | 17.9% |
| Premises with fiber | 100% | 93% |
| Access to general practitioners visits/inhab./year | 4.7 | 3.5 |
| Home burglaries per 1,000 homes | 8.0 | 4.3 |
| Average temperature | 11.2°C | 11.7°C |
| Sunshine h/year | 1,710 | — |
| Area km² | 8.42 | 43.9 |
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FAQ
Boulogne-sur-Mer vs Dunkerque: your questions
Which is the larger city, Boulogne-sur-Mer or Dunkerque?
By population, Dunkerque: 87,442 inhabitants versus 40,924 for Boulogne-sur-Mer (official population figures in force on January 1, 2026). Dunkerque is the 54th largest city in France, Boulogne-sur-Mer the 198th. By area, Dunkerque is also the larger (43.9 km²).
How far is Boulogne-sur-Mer from Dunkerque?
Boulogne-sur-Mer and Dunkerque are 61 km apart as the crow flies, between the centers of the two communes.
Where is real estate more expensive, in Boulogne-sur-Mer or Dunkerque?
To buy an apartment, Dunkerque is more expensive: €2,144 per m² (median price), versus €1,613 in Boulogne-sur-Mer (+33%). Median prices of sales over the last five years (DGFiP, DVF).
Where is the standard of living higher, in Boulogne-sur-Mer or Dunkerque?
In Dunkerque, half of the residents have a standard of living above €22,790 a year, versus €19,800 in Boulogne-sur-Mer (disposable income per consumption unit, INSEE).
Are Boulogne-sur-Mer and Dunkerque in the same department?
No: Boulogne-sur-Mer is in Pas-de-Calais (62), and Dunkerque in Nord (59), both in the Hauts-de-France region.
Official population figures in force on January 1, 2026. Source: INSEE, official population figures