Aging population drives household growth, single-person homes on the rise

The Netherlands is projected to see a significant rise in households over the coming decades, reaching 9 million by 2035 and nearly 10 million by 2070. This growth is largely driven by the country’s aging population, particularly the increasing number of single-person households among older individuals, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

As of January 1, 2024, there are 8.4 million households in the Netherlands. By 2035, the number is expected to grow by 567,000, with older age groups accounting for the majority of this increase. CBS projects that single-person households will play a key role, especially among individuals aged 65 and older.

The number of households where the reference person is 65 or older is expected to rise significantly—from 2.5 million in 2024 to 3 million by 2035 and 3.6 million by 2070. Much of this growth will come from individuals living alone, a trend fueled by increasing life expectancy, widowhood, and higher divorce rates among older adults.

CBS also highlights the rapid growth in households where the reference person is 80 years or older. The number of such households is expected to more than double between 2025 and 2070, underscoring the role of an aging population in shaping future household trends.

While older age groups are driving household growth, the number of households led by individuals aged 45 to 65 is expected to decline over the next decade. This is due to the relatively small generation born during the early 1970s, following a sharp drop in birth rates. However, CBS forecasts a recovery after 2037 as this age group begins to expand once again.

Single-person households, particularly among older adults, are expected to dominate the household growth trend. Currently, 40 percent of Dutch households consist of one person, and this share is projected to increase to 42 percent by 2035 and 44 percent by 2070.

By 2070, CBS forecasts that of the nearly 10 million households in the Netherlands, 4.3 million will be single-person homes. Many of these will be older individuals living alone, reflecting the impact of an aging population on household composition.

Household growth in the Netherlands has been consistent over the past decades, rising from 4 million households in 1971 to 6 million in 1990 and 7.4 million in 2010. The growth is expected to continue, reaching 9 million by 2035 and 9.8 million by 2070, though at a slower pace.

CBS notes that long-term projections include uncertainty, particularly due to demographic shifts and changing living patterns. Depending on various factors, the total number of households in 2070 could range between 8.3 million and 11.8 million.