This paper uses the published results of successive Iranian censuses
(1966–2011) and the 2 % micro-data from the 2011 census to examine the trends
and patterns of solo living in Iran. The results show a recent rise in solo living in
both rural and urban areas. Furthermore, a convergence in the prevalence of solo
living is observed in both areas since the mid-1980s, which has removed their initial
differences by the end of the period of study. Solo living is most prevalent among
the elderly and to a lesser extent among young men. The fact that the age composition
of sole persons has been relatively stable over time but their gender
composition has been transformed to a female-dominant pattern provides evidence
for both continuity and change in solo living in Iran. The results of multivariate
analyses suggest that there are gender norms about living arrangements in Iran,
which vary by age.