Poperinge is a commune with an area of 120.4 km² and a population of 19,702 people. The average age of residents is 43 years, and the population is slightly more female than male, with women making up 50.4%. Most inhabitants own their homes, with ownership at 76%, and the average net income per person is €17,121 per year. The vast majority of residents are Belgian (97.1%), with small communities from France, Romania, the Netherlands, Poland, Somalia, Iraq, and other countries.
Housing in Poperinge is predominantly houses rather than apartments, with 90.9% being houses and only 9.1% apartment buildings. Among houses, 36% are open type such as farms or castles, 30.1% are closed type houses, and 18.7% semi-closed type. The average number of rooms per residence is around 6.6, above the national average of 6. The buildings were mainly constructed around 1944.
Currently, there are 11 houses for sale in Poperinge with an average price of €357,831. The prices range from €239,000 to about €394,138 for houses on the market. For commuting, Poperinge has good access to major motorways: the A19 is just a 12-minute drive from the center, while the A18 / E40 motorway can be reached in about 27 minutes. Other main roads include the R33 and N38.
Public transport includes several bus lines operated by De Lijn connecting Poperinge with nearby towns such as Tienen, Hasselt, Gent, Kortrijk, and Maaseik. Poperinge also has a train station with connections to Ieper / Ypres and other cities nearby. For families, there are multiple childcare options with 9 nurseries and 13 nursery schools, plus 12 primary schools and 21 secondary schools in the municipality.
Daily shopping needs can be met with several supermarkets in town including two Delhaize stores, a SPAR, and a Colruyt. There are four electric vehicle charging stations for those with electric cars. For bike users, there is one Blue-bike rental station available. The nearest airport is Wevelgem Airport, about a 26-minute drive away.