The number of people living alone in England has risen sharply, with new analysis showing a 14% increase over the past ten years. According to data examined by COHO, the HMO management platform, almost a third of English households are now occupied by just one person, amounting to an estimated 6.9 million single-person homes in 2024.
The trend is particularly pronounced in the South East and South West, where the rise reaches 14.1%, while the North East has seen an increase of 13.7%. As a result, single-person households now represent 28.9% of all English homes. In some regions, the figure is even higher: the North West leads with 33%, followed by the North East at 32.5%, the South West at 30.7%, and Yorkshire & Humber at 30.2%.
The shift comes against a backdrop of rising loneliness and social isolation across the UK. Research shows that 3.83 million people are chronically lonely, and 7.1% of the population report feeling lonely always or often, up from 6% in 2020. Nearly six in ten UK adults say they experience loneliness at least some of the time, with younger adults aged 16 to 29 now more than twice as likely to feel lonely as those over 70.
The consequences extend beyond the personal. Loneliness has been linked to a 26% increase in early mortality risk, as well as high blood pressure, poor sleep, stress, and weakened immunity. Mental health impacts are equally concerning, with strong links to depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, dementia, and even psychosis. Economically, the cost of loneliness to the UK is estimated at more than £32 billion per year, factoring in health and social care, education, and reduced productivity.
Beyond the statistics, experts warn of the wider societal toll. Loneliness is known to undermine community cohesion, deepening divisions and creating a damaging sense of disconnection.
Vann Vogstad, Founder and CEO of COHO, says the growth in single-person households reflects more than just housing trends.
“The rise in people living alone is not just a housing issue, it’s a social one,” he explained. “With more people working remotely and connecting primarily through digital spaces, those who live alone can miss out on the companionship that enriches our lives and health. Shared Living creates opportunities for daily connection, builds friendships, and supports wellbeing. Our mission is to help people understand the benefits of living with housemates, while breaking down stigmas and misconceptions around it.”
As the number of people living alone continues to climb, experts argue that addressing loneliness must be a national priority, requiring not just housing solutions but also broader social initiatives to strengthen connection and community.
