Population and demographic structure

Tori municipality, presents a demographic profile that reflects its position as a rural municipality with suburban characteristics due to its proximity to Pärnu, Estonia’s fourth-largest city.

According to the latest statistical data (2024), the population of Tori municipality is 12,572 inhabitants.

Based on demographic data, the Total Dependency Ratio (TDR) for Tori municipality stands at 72.1%.

Breaking the TDR index down further:

• The child dependency portion is 40.7%
• The elderly dependency portion is 31.4%

Economy

Tori municipality presents an economic profile characteristic of a well-positioned rural municipality benefiting from its proximity to Pärnu, Estonia’s fourth-largest city.

The municipality maintains healthy employment levels, with an unemployment rate of 3.37% (424 registered unemployed persons from a working-age population of 7,303).

The overall activity rate stands at 70%, with an employment rate of approximately 67%, indicating robust labour market participation.

Sectoral Distribution: Tori’s economic structure shows a balanced distribution across three main sectors:

1. Primary Sector (8% of employment)
2. Secondary Sector (37% of employment)
3. Tertiary Sector (55% of employment)

Since GDP in Estonia is only measured at the county level, we can examine Pärnu County’s economic indicators (where Tori municipality is located):

• GDP: €1.66 billion
• Population: 87,418
• GDP per capita: €18,990

Energy resources

Tori Municipality demonstrates a robust energy profile, characterized by high levels of energy production and significant integration of renewable energy sources. With a focus on both heat energy and electricity, the municipality plays a vital role in advancing sustainable energy practices in Estonia.

Heat energy production in Tori Municipality is a cornerstone of its energy sector, with an annual output of 122,069 MWh. Renewable sources contribute 108,166 MWh, accounting for nearly 89% of total heat energy production. This impressive reliance on renewables highlights Tori’s commitment to sustainability and effective utilization of local resources such as biomass. The municipality’s renewable heat production places it among the leaders in Estonia for sustainable energy generation.

Electricity consumption in Tori Municipality is substantial, totalling 77,318 MWh annually. This high consumption reflects the municipality’s active energy production activities, industrial facilities, and residential energy needs. Despite this, Tori makes notable contributions to the renewable electricity grid, producing 2,089 MWh annually from clean energy sources. Solar and biomass-based electricity generation form the backbone of this renewable output, reinforcing the municipality’s dedication to diversifying its energy mix.

With a total energy use per capita of 17.0 MWh, Tori Municipality exhibits high energy intensity compared to national averages. This figure reflects the municipality’s industrial activities and significant energy production infrastructure. It also underscores the need for continued innovation and efficiency improvements to optimize energy use and reduce carbon emissions.

Tori Municipality’s strong focus on renewable energy integration is a defining feature of its energy strategy. Its high percentage of renewable heat energy production and consistent contributions to the renewable electricity grid demonstrate a proactive approach to sustainability. These achievements align with Estonia’s national goals for renewable energy expansion and carbon neutrality.