Living alone is becoming more common in France

More than 39% of homes in France are occupied by a single person, according to recent studies. This is a significant increase from 2016 to 2022, with the number of single occupants rising by nearly 14%, compared to only 5% for couples.

Changing social and family structures

The trend reflects broader shifts in living arrangements, with fewer people relying on married or family life as a structure for housing. Living alone is now common across different life stages, including among young adults, professionals, and older individuals, and is no longer seen as a temporary phase before marriage or family life.

Diverse demographics of single occupants

People living alone span a wide range of ages and social statuses. Nearly half are single, while a quarter are divorced or widowed. Men are increasing in numbers more rapidly than women, though women still make up the majority due to longer life expectancy. Employed people living alone are also on the rise, with many working in temporary or contract-based roles.

Variety in housing types and sizes

Single occupants live in a wide range of housing types and sizes. Nearly 90% of very small homes, such as those under 30 square meters, are occupied by a single person. However, this is only a small portion of the overall group, with many living in medium or large homes, often in places previously occupied by families or couples.

Urban and rural presence of single occupants

Single people are found in both urban and rural areas, though they are particularly common in cities with more than 200,000 residents. In suburban areas, the number of single occupants has grown significantly, including among middle-aged and older adults. In rural areas, single occupants are more likely to be elderly.

Living alone as both temporary and long-term

While some people living alone do so temporarily, such as after a separation or during a career move, others have lived alone for decades. The diversity of living arrangements, including shared housing and multi-residential setups, shows that living alone is not always a solitary experience and can be a long-term lifestyle choice.