The percentage of people facing poverty or social exclusion increased by 0.8 percentage points in 2024 (26.9%) compared to 2023 (26.1%), reaching a total of 2,740,051 individuals, according to the income and living conditions survey by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). Specifically, the risk for children aged 17 and under is higher (27.9%), but has decreased compared to 2023 (28.1%).
The overall increase is primarily due to the rise in poverty risk (19.6% from 18.9% in 2023), as well as the increase in material and social deprivation (14% from 13.5% in 2023). Meanwhile, although the average annual income increased (+7.3%) due to higher wages and employment, inflation and rents have “eroded” it.
The poverty threshold is €6,510 per year for a single-person household and €13,671 for households with 2 adults and 2 dependent children (under 14).
At the same time, according to the survey, 56.5% of respondents said they are unable to replace worn-out furniture, while nearly half reported they cannot afford a week of vacation (46%) or cover emergency expenses (43.9%). An equivalent percentage (42.8%) said they struggle to pay rent, loan installments, bills, etc., according to a report by Kathimerini.
The percentage of individuals who said they cannot ensure adequate heating in winter and cooling in summer reached 19%, while 11.2% said they are unable to maintain a diet that includes meat, fish, or vegetables every other day.
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