Poverty in Italy

Absolute poverty

In 2016, the incidence of absolute poverty was 6.3% in terms of residing households (1 million and 619 thousands households, that is 4 million 742 people) and 7.9% in terms of individuals. In 2015 the former was equal to 6.1%, the latter was 7.6%. The incidence of absolute poverty at the household level was broadly stable compared to 2015, despite its increase among households with at least one non-national member in the North area (from 13.9% in 2015 to 22.9%), and among households with 3 or more minor children (from 18.3% to 26.8%). In 2016 the incidence of poverty among individuals was higher in the South area (9,3%); it counted over 2 million people.The share of poor households among those with all non-national members compared to households with national members only, was almost six times higher (25.7% vs. 4.4%).

Households residing in small municipalities (less than 50,000 inhabitant) of the
Centre area showed worsening signals (from 3.3% in 2015 to 6.4%) as well as households with all national members in the same area (from 2.4% in 2015 to 3.5%).

Relative poverty

In 2016, the proportion of poor households in relative terms remained stable (10.6%, it was 10.4% in 2015), whereas the relative poverty intensity increased (from 23.1% to 24.3%), especially in the North and Centre areas (respectively from 19.9 % to 24.7% and from 18.8% to 23.7%). Households in relative poverty were 2 million and 734 thousands and in terms of individuals were 8 million 465 thousands (equal to 14.0%).

The relative poverty incidence was higher among households with 4 components or 5 components (respectively 17.1% and 30.9%) and among households with reference person age under 35 (14.6%).