A landmark new study offers one of the most detailed views to date of the transgender population in Sweden—uncovering powerful insights into transition patterns, age trends, and socioeconomic realities over nearly 50 years. Published in the journal Demography, the study draws from national administrative data spanning 1973 to 2020, providing a rare glimpse into the lives of those who have sought gender-affirming care through formal medical or legal channels.
The research was led by scholars from Stockholm University’s Institute for Social Research (SOFI) and Demography Unit (SUDA), with contributions from Uppsala University and the University of Liverpool. Rather than relying on surveys or self-reported data, the team analyzed government records to track two pivotal milestones: diagnoses of gender incongruence and changes in legal gender. These data points offer a valuable, population-wide look at the transgender community within Sweden’s healthcare and legal systems.
Rising Numbers, Especially Among Young Trans Men
Though overall numbers remain relatively small, transition rates have risen steadily—especially in the past decade. As of 2020, only 0.083% of Sweden’s adult population had received a gender incongruence diagnosis, and 0.034% had changed their legal gender. The most striking growth occurred between 2013 and 2018, driven largely by young transgender men (those assigned female at birth) in their teens and twenties.
“In the past, a majority of those receiving gender-affirming care were trans women. But in recent years, we’ve seen a clear increase in trans men, especially adolescents and young adults,” said Martin Kolk, a demographer at Stockholm University and one of the study’s lead authors.
Interestingly, after peaking in 2018, transition rates declined slightly in 2019 and 2020. Researchers believe this may be due to increased media scrutiny around youth transition and staff shortages at gender clinics, rather than a drop in need.
Economic and Social Disadvantages Run Deep
Beyond who transitions and when, the study reveals the significant social and economic inequalities faced by transgender individuals—regardless of age or time period.
“People seeking trans healthcare have significantly lower incomes on average compared to others, regardless of the time period or age group we compare,” said Emma von Essen, the study’s lead researcher from SOFI. “It’s a very small and economically vulnerable group.”
The data show that transgender people earn 40–70% less than cisgender individuals of similar age, and are 2–3 times more likely to fall into the lowest income brackets. These gaps are especially wide among trans people in their late teens and twenties. Educational attainment was also slightly lower on average, and transgender individuals were much less likely to be married or have children living in their households.
These findings paint a clear picture: transgender people in Sweden face persistent socioeconomic challenges, even within one of the world’s most inclusive healthcare systems. These inequalities are not new, nor are they disappearing. They persist across generations, despite growing visibility and legal progress.
Turning Insight Into Action: What Policymakers and Researchers Can Do
This study is more than just a data deep dive—it’s a call to action.
For policymakers, the findings highlight the need for structural changes that go beyond gender marker recognition or access to hormones. Sweden’s transgender population remains one of the country’s most disadvantaged groups, despite reforms and growing awareness. Targeted policy interventions could include:
- Funding for mental health services designed specifically for transgender individuals
- Employment equity programs and anti-discrimination protections in the workplace
- Expanded access to gender-affirming care, especially for youth and those in rural areas
- Legal protections that support family rights, housing stability, and educational access
For researchers, the study sets a precedent by showing how large-scale data can reveal long-term trends. Yet, it also reveals limitations. This study only includes people who sought medical or legal transition, which means it likely excludes nonbinary individuals, those who socially transition without medical steps, or those avoiding care due to systemic barriers.
To get a fuller picture of the transgender experience, future studies must also include self-reported data, lived experience narratives, and a focus on intersectionality—especially when it comes to race, disability, immigration status, and class.
As von Essen puts it, “These are people whose lives are shaped by marginalization, but also by resilience. We have a responsibility to understand them better, and to build systems that meet their needs.”
The Bottom Line
Though focused on Sweden, the study echoes patterns seen in other high-income countries. The findings resonate with global realities—where transgender people continue to face uphill battles for dignity, stability, and opportunity. In nations where data on trans people is limited or politically suppressed, this study serves as a model for ethical and inclusive research.
Perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that visibility is not the same as equality. Transgender people are here, and they are seeking care, connection, and a fair shot at life. This research gives voice to their journey—and urges society to listen with both compassion and action.
Citation: Martin Kolk et al., The Demography of Sweden’s Transgender Population: A Research Note on Patterns, Changes, and Sociodemographics. Demography (2025). DOI: 10.1215/00703370-11850105
