26.9 per cent of Greece’s population is at risk of poverty – mainly in Attica, the Aegean islands and Crete.
Economic impact and social challenges recognised
Vulnerable Groups Facing Hardship
Certain groups in Greek society face a much higher threat of poverty and social exclusion. Single-parent families are especially at risk, and kids under 17 are in a pretty tough spot too.
In places like Athens, the Aegean islands, and Crete, things tend to be even harder. For children under 18, nearly one in five is living in poverty, which is actually a bit worse than last year.
Adults aged 18 to 64 and seniors aren’t exactly in the clear either, though their rates are a little lower. Education makes a difference—folks with only basic schooling have the highest risk, while those with higher education usually do better.
Households with just one adult and dependent kids are the most vulnerable, with a risk rate that’s almost double. Families with or without dependent children still face challenges, though not quite as severe.
Housing Challenges and Low Incomes
Housing conditions just pile on more stress. Most people at risk of poverty live in owned homes, but quite a few rent, and that can get expensive fast.
The proportion of the population at risk of poverty or social exclusion living in a home with financial obligations is 22%, in a home without financial obligations 24.6% and in rented accommodation 32.2%.
Rent prices are high, and with the cost of living and energy bills rising, household incomes get stretched thin. A low annual income—under about €6,500 for a single adult or around €13,700 for a family of four—puts many below the poverty threshold.
Crowded living situations in small or rented homes are common, making things even harder. It’s a steady pressure, where just meeting basic housing needs can push families further into financial trouble.
Assistance Through Benefits and Pensions
Government benefits help a bit, but it’s not always enough. There are programs like guaranteed minimum income, housing allowances, and heating subsidies that try to ease the burden.
Family benefits are meant to help those with dependent kids, with the hope of cutting down on child poverty. Pensions are a lifeline for many elderly folks who don’t have other income coming in.
Still, even with these supports, it’s tough for families to keep up with low wages, rent, and energy costs. Prices keep climbing, so while the help matters, it’s rarely enough to truly shield people from poverty.
Financial Struggles Covering Urgent but Necessary Expenses
About 82% of people living in poverty struggle to cover urgent expenses near €480. Even among those not officially considered poor, over a third—roughly 35%—face the same issue.
These aren’t just luxuries—they’re basic, necessary costs that can’t really wait. Material and social deprivation hits around 14% of the population, meaning they’re missing out on at least seven things or services most would call essential for a decent life.
Over the past year, deprivation’s gotten a bit worse for adults and seniors. On the upside, it’s eased a little for kids.
Age Group |
Change in Material Deprivation (2024 vs 2023) |
|---|---|
Children 0-17 years |
Decreased by 1.7 percentage points |
Adults 18-64 years |
Increased by 0.9 percentage points |
Seniors 65+ years |
Increased by 0.5 percentage points |
Some of the biggest struggles? More than half—56.5%—can’t replace worn-out furniture. About 43% can’t pay rent or loan bills, and nearly the same can’t handle sudden, necessary expenses.
Holidays are out of reach too, with 46% unable to afford even a week away. These numbers really show how basic financial demands are just too much for many households.
Space is tight for a lot of people. Around 27% live in overcrowded homes, and if you zoom in on those in poverty, it jumps to nearly 37%.
Kids are hit hardest—about 41% live in crowded conditions, and if they’re poor, it’s a staggering 57%. Nutrition’s a problem too. Over a third of those in poverty can’t afford protein or veggies every other day.
Among non-poor folks, only about 5.6% deal with this. This financial vulnerability just makes it harder to handle emergencies or even keep up with daily needs.
If you want more details, check out the reports on financial difficulty with necessary expenses. There’s a lot more to dig into there.
Owning a flat or house has become unaffordable for many in Greece
The housing market in major Greek cities faces some real challenges, especially in Athens and Thessaloniki. Property prices have hit pretty high levels lately.
Because of this, more people are leaning toward renting instead of buying. Renting now makes up a bigger chunk of households than in a lot of other European countries.
Rental demand in Greece sits at around 35%, which is noticeably higher than the European average of 27%. That gap says a lot about the uncertainty many folks feel when it comes to buying their own place.
Economic and social shifts have shaped these new housing habits, and honestly, you can feel the hesitation in the air.
Factors Affecting Housing Ownership
There are two big reasons behind the rise in renters these days:
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Property Foreclosures: Many people have lost their homes through auction sales after defaulting on loans. Thousands of homes are still tangled up in foreclosure, and new cases keep popping up, putting a lot of pressure on both current owners and future buyers.
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Rise in Divorces: More separations mean more families needing their own space. That pushes up demand for extra homes per household, which isn’t exactly helping the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proportion of people in Greece face the risk of poverty according to the latest data?
Right now, about 26.9% of Greeks are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. For children under 18, it’s even higher—almost 27.9%.
How does the rate of poverty risk in Greece stand when compared to other EU nations?
Greece’s poverty risk is higher than the EU average. In 2023, about 21% of EU citizens faced poverty or social exclusion, while Greece was closer to 27%.
Which groups in Greece are most vulnerable to poverty?
Kids and young people under 18 are hit hardest in Greece. Single-parent families, the unemployed, and folks living in certain areas—like some islands and parts of Athens—also face bigger risks.
What steps has the Greek government taken to reduce poverty?
The government’s tried to fight poverty with social benefits and pensions, nudging the rate down from 26.9% to about 25.4%. These efforts are meant to give financial support to low-income and vulnerable groups.
What has been the trend of poverty risk in Greece over recent years?
Poverty risk was dropping for quite a while, but in 2024 it ticked back up. That’s a pretty frustrating break from the downward trend we’d seen over the last decade.
How is the risk of poverty defined and measured in Greece?
The poverty threshold in Greece sits at an annual income of €6,510 for someone living alone. For bigger households, it’s €13,671.
If your income falls below these numbers, you’re counted as being at risk of poverty. It’s a pretty stark line, but that’s the official measure.
