Chennai, Sept 1:
The number of houses in Tamil Nadu has increased by 15 per cent since the 2011 Census, while the number of people living in apartment complexes has risen by 20 per cent, reflecting a significant transformation in the State’s housing pattern.
According to Census officials, the increase in the number of houses indicates continued growth in residential development across Tamil Nadu during the period since the previous Census.
The rise in apartment living is particularly significant, with the number of people residing in apartment complexes increasing by 20 per cent.
The trend points to a gradual shift away from traditional independent houses towards multi-storey residential buildings, particularly in rapidly urbanising areas.
The changing housing pattern is also expected to have implications for urban planning, civic infrastructure and delivery of essential services.
The increase in apartment-based living reflects the expansion of cities and towns, changing land-use patterns and growing demand for housing in areas where availability of land is limited.
The figures assume added significance with the ongoing Census 2027 exercise. The first phase, covering House Listing and Housing Census operations, was completed in Tamil Nadu on August 31.
During the house-listing exercise, enumerators mapped buildings, houses and residential units and collected information on housing characteristics, household assets and access to basic amenities.
The latest housing figures provide an indication of how Tamil Nadu’s residential landscape has changed since 2011 and are expected to contribute to a more detailed assessment of the State’s housing and infrastructure requirements in the coming years.

