One in Five People in Germany Faces Risk of Poverty or Social Exclusion

New data shows 20.9% of Germany's population was affected in 2024, with little change from previous years.

The German Federal Statistical Office reported that 17.6 million people, or 20.9% of the population, were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2024.
This figure represents a slight decrease from 2023, when 21.3% of the population was impacted, but the rate has remained relatively stable since 2020.
Individuals are considered at risk if their income is below 60% of the median income, they face severe material or social deprivation, or live in households with very low work intensity.
Approximately 15.5% of the population was classified as income-poor in 2024, with thresholds set at €1,378 monthly for single individuals and €2,893 for families with two adults and two children under 14.
Around 6% of the population experienced severe material and social deprivation, and 9.8% of those under 65 lived in households with very low employment levels.