Average living space per occupant

This indicator provides information on the average living space per occupant and therefore provides an insight into the comfort and housing conditions in terms of space. 

From an integration perspective, the aim is to reduce the differences in terms of average living space per occupant between the different households.

Key findings: Single-person households with no migration background have 1.2 as many square metres as those with a migration background. In households with two people or more, those without a migration background have 1.4 as many square metres as those without such a background. The average living space per occupant in mixed households is close to that of households with a migration background composed of two people or more.

Trends over time: The average living space per occupant has increased over time in all the population groups studied, with the exception of single-person households with a migration background, where it decreased.

Cantons: The differences by migration status are quite similar in the cantons if we look at single-person households. The smallest difference between the population groups is found in Geneva and the largest in Appenzell Innerrhoden.

In households comprising two or more people, the largest differences between households with and without a migration background are seen in the canton of Solothurn. Conversely, they are particularly low in the canton of Geneva. Mixed households, on average, have more living space than households with a migration background in all cantons with the exception of Geneva.