New data from Singapore’s General Household Survey 2025 reveals a significant trend toward later marriage among the nation's youth. The findings show that a larger proportion of residents under 40 have never married compared to five years ago, with the most notable increases occurring among those aged 25 to 34. For instance, the share of single women aged 25 to 29 climbed to 73.4 per cent in 2025, up from 69 per cent in 2020. Among men, the sharpest rise in singlehood was observed in the 30 to 34 age group, increasing from 41.9 per cent to 47.6 per cent over the same period.
This shift toward singlehood is particularly pronounced among the Chinese community, where rates of remaining unmarried are higher than among Malay and Indian residents. While the reasons for these changes are multifaceted, the survey highlights a broader evolution in family and household patterns. Despite the rise in singlehood, households consisting of married couples with children remain the most common arrangement, though their prevalence has dipped slightly from 50.4 per cent in 2020 to 47.6 per cent in 2025.
Beyond marriage trends, the survey points to other significant social shifts. There is a growing reliance on dual-income households, with the proportion of couples where both spouses are employed rising to 56.6 per cent. Furthermore, the population is becoming more highly educated, and English has strengthened its position as the most frequently spoken language at home. As these patterns continue to evolve, the data provides a critical snapshot of how Singaporean society is adapting to changing economic and personal priorities.