Mapped: Europe’s Poverty Rates by Country in 2024

Key Takeaways

• Like with most economic indicators, there’s a clear East-West / North-South divide of individuals at risk of poverty in Europe. 
• Many Eastern and Southern European countries (Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Spain, Lithuania, Italy) show higher rates of poverty risk than their Western or Northern counterparts.
• This likely reflects ongoing economic development challenges and lower wage levels in these regions.
• Data unavailable for missing countries.

How the EU Defines At-Risk-of-Poverty and Social Exclusion

There are three related indicators that the EU looks for, and individuals are included if they meet any one of the thresholds.

1. Income below 60% of the national median.
2. Material deprivation: where they cannot meet or do not have, seven of thirteen key basics: things like being able to shoulder an unexpected expense, keeping their home warm, having an internet connection, etc.
3. Low work intensity: Adults (18–64) in the household worked ≤20% of the months they could last year.