New research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has shown that Ireland stood out in Europe for its comparatively high average household size. The study, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, examined population trends over the past 20 years and found that the household size in Ireland was largely affected by demographics such as young population, high fertility rate and a large proportion of homes with children. These factors were identified as key reasons for the larger Irish households when compared to other European countries from 2005 to 2021.
The analysis of the household size trends revealed that Ireland consistently exhibited high institutional size levels among the analysed countries during most of this period. Starting from 2011, Ireland has been leading the list of the countries with the largest average household size. Spain, Portugal and Greece followed close behind. The second tier, as per the ESRI study, consisted of countries that had moderately packed households, including Italy, France, the UK, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Contrarily, the smallest number of people per household was reported in the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Germany.
As per the 2022 census, Irish households had an average of 2.74 individuals. In comparison, the average number of household members across Europe that same year was 2.2, as detailed in the Eurostat data.
The ESRI noted that the large household size in Ireland would likely continue as long as the positive demographic conditions, such as high birth rates and young population, persist. However, as the population ages, household size is expected to decrease. The study suggested that an increase in the housing supply can affect the rate of this decline, though it emphasised that the primary driver would still be demographic changes.
British English Version: “Dr Conor O’Toole, a member of the ESRI and leading author of the report, noted: “Ireland’s households typically comprise more individuals compared to other European countries, largely due to the relative youthfulness of its population.
He predicts a possible decrease in household size as the populace ages, given there is an adequate supply of suitable housing.
Dr Rachel Slaymaker, a fellow ESRI colleague and co-author of the report, confirmed: “In Ireland, the size of households led by individuals aged 65 and over is aligned with that of their European peers. However, it is noteworthy that households chiefly composed of middle-aged persons, and particularly those of younger ones, are significantly larger in Ireland as compared to the rest of Europe.””