Germany launches 2026 microcensus

The German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) has launched the 2026 microcensus, which will survey 1 percent of the population and focus on housing.

Germany to survey 1 percent of population

Over the course of 2026, 1 percent of the German population will be surveyed as part of the microcensus. Destatis has sent out letters to selected households, which are obliged to take part. 

This is so that the census properly reflects the broader population. For example, if participation were voluntary, groups that may have more time to take part (e.g. pensioners) would be overrepresented, while others would be underrepresented (e.g. families with young children).

During 2026, participating households will be surveyed four times. In the first survey, they will answer general questions about the people in the household. The second survey will focus on work, the third on income and the fourth on using the internet.

While federal authorities already have some statistical information on these areas, this cannot be shared for privacy and legal reasons. Similarly, information that respondents share in the microcensus is never shared with other government authorities, such as the tax office.

2026 microcensus will focus on housing

While Destatis carries out a main census every 10 years, the microcensus is carried out every year. Alongside this year’s focus on work, income and internet usage, every four years, the microcensus goes deeper into one chosen topic. 

With Germany facing an affordable housing crisis, the 2026 microcensus will focus more deeply on housing. The findings will be used to inform policy decisions made by the German government.

Statisticians want to find out information about how many people own homes in Germany, the average rents and living space. After the census wraps up in December, we can expect to learn more about the findings in March 2027.