The number of single-person households living alone in homes across the nation has reached a record high of 7,502,000, accounting for 34.5 percent of all households. This percentage surpasses that of two-person households, three-person households, and households with four or more members, making single-person households the most prevalent living arrangement.
According to the “Statistics on Single-person Households” released by Statistics Korea on Dec. 12, the number of single-person households nationwide reached 7,502,000 as of 2022, showing an increase of 336,000 households compared to the previous year.
Analyzing nationwide statistics, it was found that 41.0 percent of single-person households reside in detached houses, 34.0 percent in apartments, and 11.7 percent in townhouses, in descending order. The home ownership rate among single-person households stood at 30.9 percent, and the majority of residential spaces were 40 square meters or less, accounting for 54.6 percent.
Among single-person households, those engaged in employment numbered 4,555,000. These households were found to be employed in the following sectors: business, personal services, public services, wholesale and retail, accommodation, food services, and manufacturing, in that order, according to the survey.
Additionally, the annual income of single-person households was reported to be 30.1 million won (US$22,820), equivalent to 44.5 percent of the overall household income. Monthly consumption expenditure stood at 1.55 million won, and the assets of these households amounted to 209.49 million won.