Marshall Islands: housing

How many people own their home in the Marshall Islands?

More than half of housing units in the Marshall Islands (56.7%) were owned "free and clear" at the 2021 census, and another 17.1% were owned with a mortgage, according to EPPSO's census analytical report. Only 6% of housing units were rented, and about one in six (15.8%) were occupied without payment.

The report explains that tenure differs from many countries because land is held communally and homes need no heating or cooling. "Occupied without payment" is traditional housing lent within families. Renting is most common in Majuro, at about one in ten units, and renters are often foreigners. The average household had 5.8 people, down from 6.8 in 2011. No official house price or rent index was found.

Official sources: EPPSO: RMI 2021 Census of Population and Housing, analytical report (PDF)

How many people in the Marshall Islands live in cities?

In 2025, the share of people living in urban areas in the Marshall Islands was 79.1%, according to the UN Population Division. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 8th highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 63.1%. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 48th highest.

What share of the Marshall Islands' city dwellers live in slums?

In 2022, the share of city dwellers living in slums in the Marshall Islands was 2.4%, according to UN-Habitat. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2006. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 17.9%, and the Marshall Islands placed 19th highest of 27. Worldwide: 120th of 170.

How many people in the Marshall Islands have electricity?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2024, is 97.2%. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 100.0%; its low point was 2007, at 72.3%. East Asia & Pacific median: 100.0%; the Marshall Islands is 20th highest of 30. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 123rd highest.

How many people in the Marshall Islands cook with wood or charcoal?

The WHO puts the share of people using clean cooking fuels in the Marshall Islands at 80.0% in 2024. That is the highest since at least 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 82.0%; the Marshall Islands is 16th highest of 30. Worldwide: 120th of 192.