2026 comparison
Le Blanc-Mesnil vs Villeneuve-d'Ascq: 2026 comparison
Villeneuve-d'Ascq has more inhabitants than Le Blanc-Mesnil: 63,462 versus 62,547, or 1.5% more. Villeneuve-d'Ascq covers a larger area (27.5 km² versus 8.1 km²), but Le Blanc-Mesnil is more densely populated: 7,770 inhabitants per km² versus 2,311.
The median apartment price is higher in Le Blanc-Mesnil: €4,075 per m² versus €2,763. The median standard of living is higher in Villeneuve-d'Ascq (€23,900 a year versus €19,630).
The two cities are 196 km apart as the crow flies.
Le Blanc-Mesnil
City in Seine-Saint-Denis
FSeine-Saint-Denis93Île-de-France
- Population
- 62,547 inhab.
- 93rd in France · 7th in its department
- Area
- 8.1 km²
- Density
- 7,770 per km²
© Jiel Beaumadier, CC BY-SA 3.0
Villeneuve-d'Ascq
City in Nord
- Population
- 63,462 inhab.
- 90th in France · 5th in its department
- Area
- 27.5 km²
- Density
- 2,311 per km²
Population
Population and demographics
Municipal population since 1876
Le Blanc-MesnilVilleneuve-d'Ascq
| Criterion | Le Blanc-Mesnil | Villeneuve-d'Ascq | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population inhab.More populous: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+1% | 62,547 | 63,462 | More populous: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+1% |
| Change over 5 yearsStronger growth: Le Blanc-Mesnil+8.9 pts | +9.1% | +0.2% | Stronger growth: Le Blanc-Mesnil+8.9 pts |
| Change over 10 yearsStronger growth: Le Blanc-Mesnil+18 pts | +18.1% | +0.4% | Stronger growth: Le Blanc-Mesnil+18 pts |
| Density per km²Denser: Le Blanc-Mesnil3.4 times as high | 7,770 | 2,311 | Denser: Le Blanc-Mesnil3.4 times as high |
| Under 15More young people: Le Blanc-Mesnil+5.6 pts | 23.3% | 17.6% | More young people: Le Blanc-Mesnil+5.6 pts |
| 65 and overMore seniors: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+3.6 pts | 11.5% | 15.1% | More seniors: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+3.6 pts |
| People per householdLarger households: Le Blanc-Mesnil+0.67 | 2.77 | 2.10 | Larger households: Le Blanc-Mesnil+0.67 |
Sources: INSEE, official population figures, INSEE, censuses, INSEE, census
Housing
Real estate prices and housing
| Criterion | Le Blanc-Mesnil | Villeneuve-d'Ascq | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median apartment price €/m²More expensive: Le Blanc-Mesnil+47% | 4,075 | 2,763 | More expensive: Le Blanc-Mesnil+47% |
| Median house price €/m²More expensive: Le Blanc-Mesnil+28% | 4,000 | 3,133 | More expensive: Le Blanc-Mesnil+28% |
| Apartment rent €/m² per month, utilities includedMore expensive: Le Blanc-Mesnil+29% | 18.5 | 14.3 | More expensive: Le Blanc-Mesnil+29% |
| House rent €/m² per month, utilities includedMore expensive: Le Blanc-Mesnil+35% | 18.2 | 13.5 | More expensive: Le Blanc-Mesnil+35% |
| Homeowner householdsMore homeowners: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+1.6 pt | 39.2% | 40.8% | More homeowners: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+1.6 pt |
| Share of housesMore houses: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+4.8 pts | 34.3% | 39.1% | More houses: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+4.8 pts |
| Social housing (SRU law) share of primary residences | 39.5% | — | |
| Second homesMore second homes: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+1.2 pt | 2.0% | 3.2% | More second homes: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+1.2 pt |
| Vacant homesMore vacant homes: Le Blanc-Mesnil+1.5 pt | 5.2% | 3.7% | More vacant homes: Le Blanc-Mesnil+1.5 pt |
| Property tax (combined rate)Higher rate: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+11 pts | 39.88% | 51.23% | Higher rate: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+11 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 | Le Blanc-Mesnil | Villeneuve-d'Ascq | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median standard of living €/yearHigher: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+22% | 19,630 | 23,900 | Higher: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+22% |
| Poverty rateHigher: Le Blanc-Mesnil+9.5 pts | 33.5% | 24.0% | Higher: Le Blanc-Mesnil+9.5 pts |
| Average taxable income per householdHigher: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+39% | €22,904 | €31,798 | Higher: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+39% |
| Households paying income taxMore taxpaying households: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+7.5 pts | 35% | 43% | More taxpaying households: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+7.5 pts |
| Activity rate (ages 15-64)Higher: Le Blanc-Mesnil+3.9 pts | 71.0% | 67.1% | Higher: Le Blanc-Mesnil+3.9 pts |
| Unemployment rate (census)Higher: Le Blanc-Mesnil+1.5 pt | 17.1% | 15.6% | Higher: Le Blanc-Mesnil+1.5 pt |
Sources: INSEE, Filosofi, DGFiP, income tax, INSEE, census
Local life
Town hall and fiber internet
| Criterion | Le Blanc-Mesnil | Villeneuve-d'Ascq | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Demba Traore | Sylvain Estager | |
| Political label of the mayor’s list (2026 local elections)Same | miscellaneous left | miscellaneous left | Same |
| Premises with fiberBetter covered: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+3.4 pts | 93% | 96% | Better covered: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+3.4 pts |
Sources: Ministry of the Interior, register of elected officials, Ministry of the Interior, Arcep
Shops and facilities
Shops, leisure and transportation
| Criterion | Le Blanc-Mesnil | Villeneuve-d'Ascq | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shops per 10,000 inhab.More shops per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq2.3 times as high | 26.7167 in total | 60.5384 in total | More shops per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq2.3 times as high |
| Food shops per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+6% | 12.075 in total | 12.881 in total | More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+6% |
| Restaurants per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+70% | 21.7136 in total | 36.9234 in total | More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+70% |
| Sports facilities per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq2.3 times as high | 9.358 in total | 21.1134 in total | More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq2.3 times as high |
| Cultural venues per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+13% | 1.17 in total | 1.38 in total | More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+13% |
| Hotels per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+20% | 1.49 in total | 1.711 in total | More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+20% |
| Passenger train stationsMore stations: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+2 | 1 | 3 | More stations: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+2 |
Number of facilities per 10,000 inhabitants (total count in small print). Source: INSEE, facilities database (BPE)
Health
Health care
| Criterion | Le Blanc-Mesnil | Villeneuve-d'Ascq | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to general practitioners visits/inhab./year localized potential accessibilityBetter access: Villeneuve-d'Ascq2.2 times as high | 2.5 | 5.4 | Better access: Villeneuve-d'Ascq2.2 times as high |
| General practitioners per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq2.8 times as high | 5.132 in total | 14.290 in total | More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq2.8 times as high |
| Medical specialists per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq2.9 times as high | 13.484 in total | 38.3243 in total | More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq2.9 times as high |
| Dentists per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq4.5 times as high | 1.912 in total | 8.755 in total | More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq4.5 times as high |
| Pharmacies per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+27% | 2.214 in total | 2.818 in total | More per capita: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+27% |
| HospitalsMore facilities: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+2 | 2 | 4 | More facilities: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+2 |
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 | Le Blanc-Mesnil | Villeneuve-d'Ascq | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary schoolsMore schools: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+11 | 34 | 45 | More schools: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+11 |
| Middle schoolsMore middle schools: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+2 | 7 | 9 | More middle schools: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+2 |
| High schoolsMore high schools: Le Blanc-Mesnil+2 | 6 | 4 | More high schools: Le Blanc-Mesnil+2 |
| Higher education institutions and programsMore facilities: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+22 | 0 | 22 | More facilities: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+22 |
Sources: Ministry of Education, INSEE, facilities database (BPE)
Recorded crime
Offenses recorded by the police
| Criterion | Le Blanc-Mesnil | Villeneuve-d'Ascq | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home burglaries per 1,000 homesHigher rate: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+52% | 4.8 | 7.3 | Higher rate: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+52% |
| Non-violent thefts per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+38% | 8.8 | 12.1 | Higher rate: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+38% |
| Physical violence outside the family per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Le Blanc-Mesnil+22% | 4.1 | 3.4 | Higher rate: Le Blanc-Mesnil+22% |
| Vehicle thefts per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Villeneuve-d'Ascq2.3 times as high | 2.9 | 6.7 | Higher rate: Villeneuve-d'Ascq2.3 times as high |
| Vandalism and property damage per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+27% | 9.3 | 11.9 | Higher rate: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+27% |
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 | Le Blanc-Mesnil | Villeneuve-d'Ascq | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureWarmer: Le Blanc-Mesnil+0.8 °C | 12.1°C | 11.3°C | Warmer: Le Blanc-Mesnil+0.8 °C |
| Sunshine h/yearSunnier: Le Blanc-Mesnil+0.4% | 1,634 | 1,627 | Sunnier: Le Blanc-Mesnil+0.4% |
| Rainfall mm/yearWetter: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+20% | 616 | 740 | Wetter: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+20% |
| Rainy days days/year at least 1 mmMore rainy days: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+16 days/year | 110 | 126 | More rainy days: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+16 days/year |
| Frost days days/yearTie | 37 | 37 | Tie |
| Very hot days days/year 30 °C or moreMore hot days: Le Blanc-Mesnil+6 days/year | 13 | 7 | More hot days: Le Blanc-Mesnil+6 days/year |
Climate normals from the reference Météo-France station of each commune. Source: Météo-France, climate normals
Natural hazards
Natural disasters and prevention
| Criterion | Le Blanc-Mesnil | Villeneuve-d'Ascq | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural disasters declared since 1982More declarations: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+5 | 11 | 16 | More declarations: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+5 |
| Natural hazard prevention plansMore plans: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+1 | 1 | 2 | More plans: Villeneuve-d'Ascq+1 |
| Radon potentialSame | Low | Low | Same |
Sources: Géorisques (GASPAR), IRSN
Land
Area, terrain and administrative areas
| Criterion | Le Blanc-Mesnil | Villeneuve-d'Ascq | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area km²Larger: Villeneuve-d'Ascq3.4 times as high | 8.05 | 27.5 | Larger: Villeneuve-d'Ascq3.4 times as high |
| Town hall elevationHigher: Le Blanc-Mesnil+14 m | 48 m | 34 m | Higher: Le Blanc-Mesnil+14 m |
| Coastal communeSame | No | No | Same |
| Density grid (INSEE)Same | Large urban centre | Large urban centre | Same |
| Department | Seine-Saint-Denis (93) | Nord (59) | |
| Intercommunality | Métropole du Grand Paris | Métropole Européenne de Lille | |
| Urban unit | Paris | Lille (partie française) | |
| Functional area | Paris | Lille (partie française) |
Sources: IGN, IGN, elevation, Ministry for the Ecological Transition, Loi Littoral, INSEE, density grid, INSEE, COG, INSEE, geographic classifications
Summary
Le Blanc-Mesnil vs Villeneuve-d'Ascq at a glance
| Criterion | Le Blanc-Mesnil | Villeneuve-d'Ascq |
|---|---|---|
| Population inhab. | 62,547 | 63,462 |
| Change over 10 years | +18.1% | +0.4% |
| Density per km² | 7,770 | 2,311 |
| Median apartment price €/m² | 4,075 | 2,763 |
| Median house price €/m² | 4,000 | 3,133 |
| Apartment rent €/m² | 18.5 | 14.3 |
| Property tax (combined rate) | 39.88% | 51.23% |
| Median standard of living €/year | 19,630 | 23,900 |
| Unemployment rate (census) | 17.1% | 15.6% |
| Premises with fiber | 93% | 96% |
| Access to general practitioners visits/inhab./year | 2.5 | 5.4 |
| Home burglaries per 1,000 homes | 4.8 | 7.3 |
| Average temperature | 12.1°C | 11.3°C |
| Sunshine h/year | 1,634 | 1,627 |
| Area km² | 8.05 | 27.5 |
More comparisons
Compare with other towns
FAQ
Le Blanc-Mesnil vs Villeneuve-d'Ascq: your questions
Which is the larger city, Le Blanc-Mesnil or Villeneuve-d'Ascq?
By population, Villeneuve-d'Ascq: 63,462 inhabitants versus 62,547 for Le Blanc-Mesnil (official population figures in force on January 1, 2026). Villeneuve-d'Ascq is the 90th largest city in France, Le Blanc-Mesnil the 93rd. By area, Villeneuve-d'Ascq is also the larger (27.5 km²).
How far is Le Blanc-Mesnil from Villeneuve-d'Ascq?
Le Blanc-Mesnil and Villeneuve-d'Ascq are 196 km apart as the crow flies, between the centers of the two communes.
Where is real estate more expensive, in Le Blanc-Mesnil or Villeneuve-d'Ascq?
To buy an apartment, Le Blanc-Mesnil is more expensive: €4,075 per m² (median price), versus €2,763 in Villeneuve-d'Ascq (+47%). Median prices of sales over the last five years (DGFiP, DVF).
Where is the standard of living higher, in Le Blanc-Mesnil or Villeneuve-d'Ascq?
In Villeneuve-d'Ascq, half of the residents have a standard of living above €23,900 a year, versus €19,630 in Le Blanc-Mesnil (disposable income per consumption unit, INSEE).
Which city is sunnier, Le Blanc-Mesnil or Villeneuve-d'Ascq?
Le Blanc-Mesnil: 1,634 hours of sunshine a year on average, versus 1,627 in Villeneuve-d'Ascq (climate normals from the reference Météo-France station of each town).
Official population figures in force on January 1, 2026. Source: INSEE, official population figures