These are the results from a recent JRC report, which offers the first harmonised EU‑wide projections for the distribution of people across three different household types (single person, living with a partner, and living with children) over an 80‑year horizon for the EU27.  

Understanding household composition is crucial for a range of policy domains because it shapes demand for services such as housing, childcare, anti-poverty measures, healthcare, and long-term care.  

For instance, older adults living alone often require more healthcare and long-term care services, as well as housing adaptations. They are also at a higher risk of social isolation and loneliness. Older women are particularly vulnerable due to their longer life expectancy and the ongoing gender gap in pension entitlements. 

The decrease in the proportion of people living with children or a partner, particularly among men, reflects low fertility rates and a shift towards later and fewer partnerships. This is likely to result in higher demand for housing that can be afforded on one income and has manageable utility costs, particularly in urban centres. 

The share of partnered men is also projected to decrease, as is the share of men and women living with at least one child. Most European countries have been experiencing decreases in fertility levels for decades, which is reflected in the observed share of individuals living with at least one child. The shift towards later and lower levels of partnering is potentially also a relevant demographic shift that merits attention. Demands for housing affordable on one income and with manageable utility costs will require policy support, particularly in high demand urban centres 

Housing shortages and economic difficulties are external pressures that can influence household structure causing many young adults to remain longer in their parental home and delay the formation of new households. 

Anticipating these demographic and social shifts will be essential for designing policies that safeguard the wellbeing of all European households.