Number of commuters in Saxony-Anhalt slightly down - Fewer Saxony-Anhalt workers now cross state lines for jobs in 2025

Around one in five workers in Saxony-Anhalt travels across state borders for their jobs. New figures show a small drop in both incoming and outgoing commuters. The trend reflects broader changes in the region's economy and workforce.

In June 2025, about 148,000 residents of Saxony-Anhalt worked in other federal states. This number fell by roughly 600 compared to the previous year. Most of these commuters were skilled professionals, primarily employed in manufacturing, retail, transportation, and construction.

The top destinations for those leaving the state were Saxony, Lower Saxony, and Thuringia. Meanwhile, around 75,700 people commuted into Saxony-Anhalt from neighbouring regions, including Saxony, Lower Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg. An additional 5,400 workers travelled from abroad. Experts link the decline in cross-border commuting to several factors. Economic shifts, deindustrialisation in eastern Germany, and rural population loss have played a role. An ageing workforce and the movement of economic hubs away from border areas since the 2008 financial crisis have also contributed.

The slight reduction in commuters highlights ongoing changes in Saxony-Anhalt's labour market. With fewer workers crossing state lines, the region faces evolving challenges in employment and economic activity. The data underscores the impact of demographic and structural shifts on local work patterns.