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This paper presents a metrological approach for constructing reasonable and meaningful measurements of social sustainability in municipalities. The approach builds on rigorous conceptual definitions of the attributes to be measured, includes a usability focus, and extends the recently developed model ‘man as measurement instrument’ – including the application of item response theory (IRT) – into social sustainability metrics in municipalities. To achieve this, we emphasize the unique metrological properties of the Rasch model as a specific type of IRT. We further illustrate the approach to the sustainability aspect of quality of life (QoL) using data from the Swedish open database, Kolada, where municipality attributes are measured relative to where they have been and where they want to go. This can provide fit-for-purpose metrics to be used in developing more meaningful and effective municipal policies and sustainability programs.