The development of the population between 1960 - 1996
Hofen has the smallest area with 1.05 km² (259 acres) of all communities in the canton (for comparison: whole canton Schaffhausen: 298 km² [115 square miles], whole of Switzerland: 41,293 km² [15,943 square miles]) and is at an altitude of 474 m above sea-level. Hofen has 136 inhabitants: 72 masculine and 64 feminine. Among the population there are also 5 foreigners. Hofen has in total 48 households and 76 buildings (as of April 1997).
The development of the population between 1960 - 1996
The chart shows a clear upward trend in the last 3 years. This can be attributed to an increased birthrate, several arrivals and young families.
The age distribution of Hofen's population
The histogram gives a confident feeling in view of a young generation growing. The village no longer has a disproportionate number of old people like some years ago. State of elevation: April 1997.
Hofen is definitely situated in a quiet location because there is neither a motorway nor a railway within a large radius. In the evening you can even hear the Biber's roaring. Despite this Hofen can be reached easily from the stations Thayngen and Schaffhausen by bus. If you already plan a trip to Hofen, use the online timetable information (HAFAS) from the Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (Swiss Federal Railways); set Hofen SH, Dorf as destination.
Everybody knows almost everyone, which is typical for a small village. Any new is known very quickly in the whole village. Perhaps as a result of this, the crime rate is virtually zero.
Since Switzerland has a direct democracy, people often have to vote. Hofen is always among the communities in the canton with the three highest rates of participation in voting. The participation varies between 80% and 90% of the 93 citizens entitled to vote where for 14 people the voting is voluntary (April 1997). The canton of Schaffhausen is the only Swiss canton with a duty to vote in its laws.
As a politically independent community, the community leadership consists of a district council of five members with a president at the head. Incurring tasks are accomplished by the councils who do that as a secondary occupation.