What's the current status or condition of the German population?
Germany's Demographic and Housing Profile in 2024
Germany, the largest country in the EU by population, had a total population of approximately 83.6 million in 2024 [1][3][5]. The low fertility rate of around 1.38 children per woman (2023 data) has led to a natural population decline without immigration for over five decades. However, immigration has contributed to overall population growth. About 29.7% of the population have a foreign background [1].
The age distribution reflects an aging population, with the average age of the population being 44.9 years in 2024. There was a gender gap of approximately two years in average age between women and men, with women having an average age of 46.2 years and men 43.5 years [6]. This creates challenges for labor markets and social services, as the proportion of people aged 60 and older is high, while the share of younger people is shrinking.
Regarding family size, the low fertility rate implies smaller family units on average, with the average family in 2024 consisting of 3.4 members [7].
In terms of life expectancy, the latest specific figures for 2024 are not provided, but Germany’s life expectancy has been around 81 years (about 79 years for men and 83 years for women) in recent years [2]. The life expectancy for women in 2024 was about four years longer than for men [8]. Notably, the average life expectancy for women in Germany in 2024 was higher than the global average for women, while the average life expectancy for men in 2024 was lower than the global average for men.
For average dwelling size and rent, the 2024 figures are as follows: the average size of a dwelling was 94.4 square meters, the average net cold rent for a dwelling was 7.28 euros per square meter, and the average family lived in a dwelling of 94.4 square meters [3][4]. Rents vary significantly by region, with cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg having higher prices.
The average life expectancy for a newborn girl in 2024 was 83.5 years, and for a newborn boy, it was 78.9 years [9].
This profile illustrates Germany as a populous, aging society with modest family sizes and variable but generally moderate living space and rental costs, influenced heavily by immigration and urban density [1][3][5][4].
Summary table
| Aspect | Germany (circa 2024) | |----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | Population | ~83.6 million | | Fertility rate | 1.38 children per woman (below replacement) | | Foreign background | ~29.7% of population | | Age structure | Aging population with high proportion aged 60+ | | Family size | Smaller families, fewer children per household | | Life expectancy | Around 81 years (men ~79, women ~83)* | | Average dwelling size| 94.4 m² | | Average rent | 7.28 €/m² | | Average family size | 3.4 members | | Life expectancy gap | Women ~4 years longer than men |
*Life expectancy is based on recent historical data; no 2024-specific figure provided.
Science and health-and-wellness organizations in Germany are increasingly focusing on family-health and mental-health, particularly in light of the aging population and smaller family sizes. For instance, the impact of aging on mens-health and womens-health is a growing area of research. Moreover, parenting resources and support systems are becoming increasingly important as the average age of parenthood continues to rise. The high proportion of people aged 60 and older, combined with the modest family sizes, creates unique challenges for the health-care system, necessitating strategies to address the health needs of the elderly and promote intergenerational health. These initiatives can contribute to a healthier and more vibrant society in the coming years, enhancing the quality of life for many individuals.
