Poverty, almost one Italian out of four at risk exclusion: low income work weigh
The Istat report on families income: income reduced by inflation. In 2024 13.5 million people at risk. Families with children more in danger. One in 10 workers at risk of working poverty
In 2024 in Italy 13 million 525 thousand people were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. 23.1% of the population was in one of the three conditions set by the indicators of Europe 2023: at risk of poverty; in severe material and social deprivation; at low work intensity. Almost three million (2 million and 710 thousand) people in serious material and social deprivationwhich means, according to the indicators, cannot afford an adequate meal every day, not being able to pay the bills, the rent, the mortgage, not to be able to heat their home. At risk of poverty are over 11 million individuals, 18.9% of residents in Italy: they have a net equivalent income below 12,363 euros.
The South increasingly detached from the rest of the country
The photography of‘Istat in his report on the « living and income of families – years 2023-2024 » He is merciless. Because in Italy people at risk of poverty or social exclusion increase (23.1% in 2024 from 22.8% of 2023), but inequalities in the distribution of income also grow. With the South that marks the greatest distance (increasing in 2023 compared to 2022) among the lowest and highest incomes. The average net income of families in 2023 is 37,511 euros, about 3,125 euros per month, but, analyzes Istat, the majority of families received a lower income and 50% have a income not exceeding 30,039 euros. But if the average family income marks +4.2% compared to 2022, it has reduced to real terms of 1.6% due to inflation, with peaks of 4.6% in the north east.
The birth factor
But Istat also certifies that having children increases the risk of poverty or exclusion. In 2024, the indicator increased for those who live in families with 5 or more components (33.5% from 30.7% in 2023), for couples with at least 3 children (34.8%, from 32% of 2023) and for monogenis (32.1% compared to 29.2%) which discount a lower work intensity « linked to conciliation problems », underlines Istat. Low income workers are 21% of the total and one out of 10 employees (10.3% in 2024) are at risk of working poverty despite having worked for more than mid -year. A risk that grows up to 21.7% for couples with 3 or more children.
