How do Germans live? The census provides information about property ownership, living space and senior citizens living alone.
A large proportion of families in Germany live in their own four walls. According to census surveys as of May 15, 2022, around 12.4 million families (57 percent) lived in owner-occupied properties. For comparison: In 2011, the proportion was 65 percent. “In the 2022 census, families include couples with and without children, as well as single parents with children,” the statisticians explained. Among couples with children, the proportion of those who lived in their own property was 62 percent.
There were clear differences between the individual federal states: couples with children lived in their own homes particularly frequently in Saarland (74 percent), but particularly rarely in Berlin (25 percent).
Six percent of families live in at least 200 square meters of living space
The census also provides information about the living space used – regardless of whether it is owned or rented. On the reference date, seven percent of families lived in 40 to 59 square meters. 19 percent had 60 to 79 square meters or 80 to 99 square meters available. 15 percent of families lived in 100 to 119 square meters or 120 to 139 square meters. Ten percent lived in 140 to 159 square meters, while five percent of families lived in 160 to 179 square meters. Three percent lived in a living space of 180 to 199 square meters. Six percent of families lived in 200 square meters or more.
More seniors live alone in the East
Almost one in seven households (15.1 percent) in Germany was occupied by senior citizens living alone on the reference date. In 2011, this was only 12.5 percent of households (4.7 million). Senior citizens are therefore defined as people who had reached the age of 65 on the reference date.
In 2022, the proportion was above average in the eastern federal states of Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony and Thuringia, at 17 percent each. In contrast, it was lower in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Hesse, at around 14 percent of all households. And what about the independent cities? In Suhl, almost one in five households (21 percent) was inhabited by senior citizens living alone. In Mainz and Heidelberg, on the other hand, the proportion was only 12 percent.
Source: Stern
