Over 23% of Italians Face Poverty and Social Exclusion Risks: Istat Report

Rome: Almost a quarter of the Italian population, 23.1%, were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2024, up 0.3 of a percentage point with respect to 2023, national statistics agency Istat said in its annual report on Wednesday.

According to Ansa News Agency, the percentage at risk of poverty or social exclusion was close to four in 10 in southern Italy after rising a percentage point there to 39.8%. The agency defines individuals at risk if they have an income below 60% of the median, suffer severe material deprivation, or have a low level of ‘work intensity’.

Istat further highlighted that the risk of poverty and social exclusion was 30.5% for individuals living in households whose main income earner is under 35 years old. The data underscores the significant regional disparities and age-related challenges in addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities across Italy.