More and more Norwegians have nowhere to live. Temporary housing is the solution
In 2025, 7,357 households in Norway did not have their own place to live and received temporary accommodation from the municipality. Among them, 666 households included children. The data was published by Statistics Norway (SSB). The Norwegian aid organization Kirkens Bymisjon is calling on the government to take urgent action.
Temporary accommodation often includes hostels, guesthouses, or short-term municipal apartments.
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New statistics show an increase in the number of people without permanent housing. Compared to five years ago, the number of such households has risen by 2,942. This is also 280 more than the previous year. In the largest cities, the scale of the problem is growing particularly rapidly.
More and more people without a permanent home
In 2025, 7,357 households lived in temporary accommodations provided by municipalities. In statistics, these people are classified as homeless. Among them were 666 families with children. This is a clear increase in recent years.
In Oslo and Bergen, the number of such households has doubled since 2021. In the capital, it rose from 1,118 to 2,212. In Bergen, it increased from 345 to 689. In Trondheim, the number rose from 229 to 418. In Stavanger, there was an increase from 288 to 332.
In Oslo and Bergen, the number of such households has doubled since 2021. In the capital, it rose from 1,118 to 2,212. In Bergen, it increased from 345 to 689. In Trondheim, the number rose from 229 to 418. In Stavanger, there was an increase from 288 to 332.
High rental prices are one of the most frequently cited reasons for losing a home.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standardowa/srekap
Growing number of children without permanent housing
Kirkens Bymisjon Secretary General Adelheid Firing Hvambsal draws attention to the consequences of not having a permanent place to live. According to her, such a situation causes stress and a sense of loneliness. It also worsens both physical and mental health. It makes daily functioning at school and work more difficult.
The organization also points to the growing number of families with children in this situation. In recent years, the number of such families has increased about threefold. It is estimated that over 1,000 children in Norway do not have a permanent place to live. According to Kirkens Bymisjon, children with such experiences are more likely to suffer from illnesses and face difficulties in the job market as adults.
The organization also points to the growing number of families with children in this situation. In recent years, the number of such families has increased about threefold. It is estimated that over 1,000 children in Norway do not have a permanent place to live. According to Kirkens Bymisjon, children with such experiences are more likely to suffer from illnesses and face difficulties in the job market as adults.
The last comprehensive nationwide analysis of homelessness was conducted in 2020. At that time, 3,325 people were recorded as not having permanent housing. New research results are expected to be published later this year. However, Husbanken, the Norwegian state housing bank, already estimates that the number of homeless people has increased significantly since then. This is also indicated by data on temporary housing, the number of which has increased several times in recent years.
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