In Colombia, living alone is no longer an exception but a growing trend. Colombia’s seen a rise in single-person households. According to the 2025 National Quality of Life Survey by DANE, 20.2% of households in the country are single-person households, meaning one in every five is made up of just one individual. This figure marks a historic high and reflects profound transformations in the country’s social, economic, and demographic structure.
The data comes at a time when Colombia has around 18.9 million households and an estimated population of 53 million people. Additionally, the average number of people per household has dropped to 2.82, the lowest level on record, highlighting a shift toward increasingly smaller living arrangements.
Rise of single-person households in Colombia: a sustained shift in living patterns
The growth of single-person households is not an isolated phenomenon. In recent years, this trend has steadily increased, rising from 17% in 2019 to 19.8% in 2024, and reaching 20.2% in 2025. This pattern confirms a structural change in how Colombians organize their daily lives.
Regionally, there are significant differences. Departments such as Putumayo report the highest levels of single-person households, while Bolívar shows considerably lower figures. In major cities like Bogota and Medellin, this type of household is becoming increasingly common, driven by urban and labor dynamics.
Meanwhile, biparental households remain the majority at 51.3%, followed by single-parent households at 24.3%. However, the gradual decline of these traditional models reflects a diversification in forms of cohabitation.
Factors behind the increase
The rise in people living alone is driven by multiple factors. One of the main drivers is cultural change, as more individuals prioritize independence and autonomy. The pursuit of privacy, professional development, and shifting personal priorities has led to a redefinition of the traditional concept of family.
Changes in romantic relationships also play a role. There is now less social pressure to maintain long-term partnerships, particularly when children are not involved. This trend is also linked to higher separation rates and the postponement of decisions such as marriage.
From an economic perspective, the housing market is a key factor. Renting has become the dominant form of housing tenure, accounting for 40.8% of households. This model allows for greater mobility and makes it easier for individuals to live alone, although it also reflects the challenges of accessing homeownership.
Migration, both internal and international, is another important element. Many families become fragmented when one or more members relocate for work or study, leaving behind single-person households.
Social and economic implications
The growth of single-person households has direct effects across multiple sectors. In the real estate market, there is increasing demand for smaller housing units, such as studio apartments and one-bedroom units. This trend also puts pressure on rental prices, especially in urban areas.
In terms of public services, more households lead to higher aggregate consumption of resources such as water, electricity, and connectivity, even if fewer people live in each home. This dynamic also influences urban planning and service provision.
From a social standpoint, the rise in solo living is also tied to population aging. Many older adults, after losing a partner or seeing their children move away, become part of this household category, creating new challenges related to care and well-being.