Stairlift Statistics: Insights for Safer Senior Living

Why Stairlifts Are Becoming a Necessity for Aging Adults

The stairlift market size in the U.S. continues to expand, reaching $925 million in 2024, and is expected to grow to $1.46 billion by 2032. This market growth rate reflects a shift in how the elderly population approaches aging. More seniors are choosing to remain in their homes, often in multi-story residences where safe mobility becomes a daily challenge.

America’s aging population is growing faster than ever. By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be aged 65 or older. The senior population is expected to increase from 62.7 million in 2025 to 71.6 million by 2030, making up more than 20% of the total U.S. population. 

As more adults enter this age bracket, the need for accessible home solutions like stairlifts becomes more urgent.

With age, physical changes make daily movement harder. Arthritis, joint pain, and muscle weakness are especially common in adults over 65 and can significantly affect balance and stair navigation. In one study, 65% of older adults recovering from knee surgery said they feared falling and struggled with stairs. Other factors, like high BMI, side effects from medications, and common household hazards, further increase the risk of serious falls.

Despite these challenges, most U.S. homes aren’t built with aging in mind. Only about 40% have basic aging-friendly features, such as a step-free entrance and a full bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. 

As a result, around 4 million older households report having difficulty moving around their homes. That figure increases to nearly 1 in 4 among households with someone aged 85 or older, where mobility issues tend to be more severe.

Stairlifts and Fall Prevention

Falls are the most common cause of injury among older adults in the U.S., and stairs are one of the leading culprits.

• Each year, over 14 million seniors aged 65 and older report a fall.
• Roughly 37% of these falls result in injuries that either require medical attention or limit daily activity, adding up to around 9 million fall-related injuries annually.

In a 23-year national study, nearly 25 million people were treated in emergency rooms for stair-related injuries. This averages to over 1 million stair injuries every year, or 37.8 injuries per 10,000 U.S. residents.

Most common injuries include:

• Sprains and strains (32.3%)
• Soft tissue injuries (23.8%)
• Fractures (19.3%)

Frequently affected body regions:

• Lower extremities (42.1%)
• Head and neck (21.6%)

These risks are even higher for seniors with arthritis, poor balance, weak muscles, or vision problems. Stairlifts help reduce these dangers by removing the need to climb stairs. 

They offer a safe, seated way to move between floors without putting stress on the body. Features like seatbelts, swivel seats, and battery backups add extra protection and peace of mind.

Stairlift Market Analysis

As more seniors choose to age in place, the demand for stairlifts has grown steadily, especially in regions with aging populations and strong healthcare infrastructure. 

North America, in particular, stands out as the global leader in stairlift adoption, according to several recent market reports. This growth is supported by a mix of rising awareness, favorable policies, and trusted stairlift manufacturers.

Regional Trends

The Far West region (including states like California) shows the highest growth, with a CAGR of around 5.7%. Growth is also steady in the Southeast and Asia Pacific regions, reflecting consistent nationwide demand.

North America (U.S. and Canada) holds the largest market share globally, with stairlift use spread across both residential and commercial environments.

• Residential stairlifts make up 60% of the North American market, largely driven by seniors aging in place in multi-story homes.
• Commercial stairlifts account for the remaining 40%, including use in hospitals (17.7%) and other healthcare facilities such as nursing homes and clinics (22.3%).

Several factors help explain North America’s continued dominance in the stairlift industry. The region has a rapidly growing elderly population, which increases the need for safer, more accessible home environments. 

Public awareness of stairlift benefits, both for convenience and fall prevention, is also higher compared to other regions, leading to quicker adoption.

In many states, insurance policies, Medicaid waivers, and VA benefits help cover the cost of stairlifts, making them more affordable for seniors. Additionally, government programs aimed at improving home accessibility for older adults and people with disabilities continue to support the stairlift market’s expansion.

Key Players in the Market

North America is home to several leading stairlift companies that offer high-quality, safety-compliant products. Major companies include:

• Stannah Stairlifts
• Acorn Stairlifts
• Bruno Independent Living
• Handicare
• Thyssenkrupp Elevator Technology
• Harmar
• Ameriglide

How Much Does a Stairlift Cost?

The total cost of getting a stairlift installed, including both the equipment and labor, can vary depending on the stairlift type, length, and layout of your staircase. On average, homeowners spend about $7,050, though prices range from $2,300 to $24,000.

Cost by Stairlift Type

• Straight stairlifts, designed for straight staircases that go directly up without any turns, generally cost between $2,000 and $9,000.
• Curved stairlifts, custom-made to fit stairs with bends or landings, usually range from $10,350 to $25,000.
• Outdoor stairlifts, built to handle weather and outdoor conditions, cost between $4,000 and $25,000.
• Platform stairlifts, made for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility, generally cost $5,000 to $20,000.

Installation typically adds 15% to 20% of the total stairlift cost. For example, A $6,000 stairlift may cost $900 to $1,200 to install. Steeper stairs, outdoor steps, or uneven surfaces (like stone or earth) may increase labor costs.

While the upfront investment can seem high, stairlifts are often a cost-effective solution for aging adults who want to stay safe at home without major renovations or moving to single-level housing.

Bottom Line

Stairlifts are becoming a practical solution for many older adults who want to stay in their homes safely. With the global stairlift market growing and more seniors facing mobility challenges, these devices offer a reliable way to reduce the risk of falls, especially on stairs.

Modern stair lifts are designed to be safe, easy to use, and comfortable. With advancements like swivel seats, remote controls, and batteries, they’re a simple and cost-effective way for people with limited mobility to stay independent, without needing to move or make major home changes.

Fair Use Statement

Feel free to share this article for noncommercial purposes. But include a link back to this page so readers can access the full findings and context.

Sources

1. “Falls Are the Leading Cause of Injury for Adults Ages 65 and Older.” CDC. Accessed May 10, 2025.
   Link Here
2. “Aging-Ready Homes in the United States.” U.S. Census Bureau. Accessed May 10, 2025.
   Link Here
3. “1 in 5 Americans to Be 65 Years Old or Older by 2030.” S&P Global Market Intelligence. Accessed May 10, 2025.
   Link Here
4. “Incidence of Fear of Fall and Stairs Climbing Status in Older Adults After Total Knee Arthroplasty.” Journal of Health Research and Learning in Medical Care. Accessed May 10, 2025.
   Link Here
5. “Stair-Related Injuries Treated in United States Emergency Departments.” PubMed. Accessed May 10, 2025.
   Link Here
6. “How Much Does It Cost to Install a Stair Lift?” HomeAdvisor. Accessed May 10, 2025.
   Link Here