Key figures on European living conditions – 2025 edition

The "Key Figures on European Living Conditions" report, published by Eurostat, provides a comprehensive overview of living conditions across European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries. Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU, aims to deliver high-quality statistics that inform both citizens and policymakers about various socio-economic phenomena. This edition focuses on key indicators that are instrumental in analyzing living conditions, particularly during periods of socio-economic change.

The report includes data from all EU member states and EFTA countries, covering a wide array of topics related to living conditions. It specifically lists countries such as Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, and the Nordic countries, among others. The rich dataset serves as a resource for understanding disparities and trends within the region, which is vital for sustainable policy-making.

Income distribution is a central theme in the report, detailing the median disposable income across the EU. In 2024, the median annual disposable income was 21,253 purchasing power standards (PPS) per inhabitant, with significant variations between countries. For example, Luxembourg reported the highest at 37,781 PPS, while Slovakia had the lowest at 11,433 PPS. The Gini coefficient, which measures income inequality, stood at 29.3%, with Bulgaria having the highest income disparity at 38.4%.

In 2024, approximately 93.3 million people in the EU, or 21% of the population, were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This figure highlights the ongoing economic strain faced by many households. The report notes that children are particularly vulnerable, with a 24.5% risk rate among those under 18.

The composition of households is crucial for understanding living conditions. In 2024, 202 million households were recorded in the EU, averaging 2.3 members. A notable trend is the increase in single-adult households, which now represent 35.4% of total households. This shift impacts economic sustainability and resource allocation.

Childcare is highlighted as a key factor in enabling parental participation in the labor market. In 2024, around 89.2% of children aged 3 years to the minimum compulsory school age participated in formal childcare or education. However, children at risk of poverty received less formal childcare compared to their peers, with only 59% spending 25 hours or more in such settings.

Health indicators reveal that 68.4% of the population aged 16 or over in the EU rated their health as very good or good in 2024. However, unmet medical needs were reported by 2.5% of the population, with the highest rates found in certain Greek regions. This disparity emphasizes the need for equitable access to healthcare services.

The report also examines subjective measures of well-being. In 2024, the average satisfaction rating was 7.2 out of 10, a slight decline from earlier years. Trust in others averaged at 5.8, varying across countries. The findings suggest that social cohesion and mental well-being are essential components of sustainable living conditions.

The "Key Figures on European Living Conditions" report serves as a vital resource for understanding the socio-economic landscape in Europe. It underscores the importance of monitoring living conditions, particularly in the context of sustainable housing and social welfare policies. The data provided can facilitate informed decision-making aimed at improving the quality of life for all residents of the EU and EFTA countries.