Kraków Recognised in the Healthy Cities Index 2026
Kraków has once again been ranked among the highest-rated Polish cities in the Healthy Cities Index. In this year's anniversary edition, the Municipality of Kraków received distinctions in two categories: Education and Population and Generations.
The awards were presented on 17 September in Warsaw during a gala accompanying the Healthy Cities Congress. On behalf of the Municipality of Kraków, the distinction was received by Monika Kosztyła, Director of the Social Policy Department of the Kraków City Office.
For many years, Kraków has maintained a strong position in the Healthy Cities Index, confirming that measures taken for residents extend far beyond healthcare alone. The Index evaluates living conditions in Polish cities across eight areas, including health, demographics, education, social services, housing, environment, infrastructure, and urban space.
This year's distinctions further confirm Kraków's strong standing. Particularly noteworthy is the result in the Education category, which demonstrates that investing in residents' development and creating favourable learning conditions remains a key element of the city's policy. Equally significant is the recognition in the Population and Generations category, which relates, among other things, to demographic trends and living conditions at different stages of life.
The Healthy Cities Index is developed through the cooperation of experts from the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH), the Foundation for Economy and Public Administration, and the LUX MED Group. Its purpose is to assess the extent to which cities create conditions that support health, well-being, and a high quality of life for residents.
Kraków's continued high rankings demonstrate that the city is consistently strengthening its position as a place that is friendly to residents, regardless of their age or stage of life. This is the result of initiatives implemented across many areas of municipal policy, from education and healthcare to social policy and the development of accessible, people-friendly urban spaces.
A strong position in the Healthy Cities Index is not only a source of satisfaction but also a commitment to further developing initiatives that enhance the health, safety, and quality of life of Kraków's residents.