People living alone are an increasing group in Spanish society. The phenomenon of living alone has increased exponentially in recent decades, not only in Spain, but also in other European countries. But how many people are living alone in 2024 compared to 1970 and what is the profile of people living alone in Spain?
According to one study In 1970, 660,000 people lived alone in Spain, out of a total population of 34 million in 8.85 million households. Now, 54 years later, the number is single-person households increased to 5.4 million, with a total population of 48.8 million living in 19.3 million households. This means that the percentage of people living alone in Spain has increased from 1.9% in 1970 to 11% in 2024. This indicates that one in nine people live alone, and 28% of households consist of one person.
In terms of profile, the study shows that in Spain there is almost no one living alone under the age of 20, and very few people under the age of 25. Between the ages of 30 and 59, there are more single-person households for men than for women. But from the age of 60, the number of women living alone increases considerably, with almost 30% among Spanish women aged 65 or older. We do not see this increasing percentage among men in this age group.
By marital status, single status is the most common situation among men living alone, followed by divorce. For women, widowhood is most common, followed by bachelor status. There is also a small percentage of ‘married’ people living alone, which may be due to unregistered divorces, work in another province or abroad (mainly among men), or immigrants awaiting family reunification.
Among the elderly, being a widow or widower is the most common situation, but this mainly affects women. In men, it is only from the age of 80 that it is the main cause of living alone. Of women who live alone, 55% are 65 years or older, while this is only 27% for men.
What is living alone?
People who live alone are people who live independently in their own home without others. This situation can arise due to factors such as singleness, divorce or the loss of a partner. This number has been growing steadily since the 1970s and this trend appears to be continuing.
There are several reasons for this change. In many Western European countries, such as Spain, the social structure has changed. Traditional family forms are less obvious and individual autonomy is gaining importance. This results in greater acceptance of living alone as a legitimate lifestyle.
The aging population also influences the demography of people living alone. More elderly people live alone, often after the death of a partner. This not only affects the social dynamics in families, but also the demand for suitable homes and care.
Analysis: The Rise of Solo Living in Spain
The phenomenon of people living alone has experienced an exponential surge in recent decades, with Spain being no exception. A recent study reveals that the number of individuals living alone in Spain has increased significantly since 1970, with a total of 5.4 million people residing in single-person households in 2024. This represents a staggering growth of over eight times the original number of 660,000 people living alone in 1970.
Historical data indicates that the trend of solo living has been consistently rising, with a notable increase in recent years. For instance, in 2016, the percentage of Spanish population living alone was 10.2% [[3]]. By 2023, the number of people living alone in Spain had surpassed five million, according to a housing census [[1]]. The latest figures confirm that this trend is showing no signs of slowing down.
Numbers and Statistics
Comparing the numbers from 1970 and 2024, it becomes evident that the percentage of people living alone in Spain has increased significantly. In 1970, only 1.9% of the population (660,000 people) lived alone, while in 2024, this number has risen to 11% (5.4 million people) [[study]]. This indicates that one in nine people live alone, and a whopping 28% of households consist of only one person.
Demographic Trends and Profile
When analyzing the demographic trends and profile of people living alone in Spain, several interesting insights emerge. According to the study, almost no one under the age of 20 lives alone in Spain, and very few people under the age of 25 do so. Between the ages of 30 and 45, there is a notable increase in the number of individuals living alone. However, it is essential to consider that this analysis does not provide a comprehensive breakdown of the demographic profile.
Significance and Implications
The rise of solo living in Spain has significant implications for various aspects of society, such as housing, social services, and economic planning. With a growing number of single-person households, there is a pressing need for policymakers to reassess and adapt their strategies to meet the changing needs of the population.
the trend of solo living is an increasingly significant aspect of Spanish society. As the numbers and statistics demonstrate, this trend is expected to continue in the future. As a society, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the evolving needs and implications of this phenomenon.
Sources:
[1] https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2023/07/01/over-five-million-people-live-on-their-own-in-spain-according-to-housing-census/
[2] https://www.thelocal.es/20240514/5-5-million-record-numbers-of-spaniards-living-alone
[3] https://www.statista.com/statistics/545986/percentage-of-spanish-population-living-alone/
[study] https://repositorioinstitucional.ceu.es/bitstream/10637/16265/1/SoledadObsDemooctubre2024.pdf
