Risk of poverty looms over 2.8 million people in Greece

Nearly 2.8 million people in Greece are currently at risk of poverty or social exclusion following a marginal increase in economic hardship over the past year, according to a report from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).

The 2025 Income and Living Conditions Survey revealed that 27.5 per cent of the population now faces these systemic challenges, representing a rise of 0.6 percentage points compared to the previous reporting period.

This growing instability is driven primarily by an increase in material and social deprivation, which climbed from 14.0 per cent in 2024 to 14.9 per cent in the latest findings.

Children remain the most vulnerable demographic in the country, with the risk of poverty for those under 17 reaching a staggering 29.6 per cent.

For a single person, the official poverty threshold is now set at an annual income of €7,020, while for a family with two adults and two children under 14, the limit is €14,742.

The figures underscore the vital role of the state, as social transfers successfully reduced the poverty rate from a theoretical 43.9 per cent to the recorded 19.6 per cent.

Without these government interventions, nearly half the population would be living below the poverty line, with transfers currently narrowing the poverty gap by 24.3 percentage points.

Income inequality remains a persistent feature of the Greek economy, where the wealthiest 20 per cent of citizens earn 5.18 times more than the poorest 20 per cent.

While the Gini coefficient showed a minor decrease to 31.6 per cent, the concentration of wealth remains high, with the top quarter of the population holding 45.5 per cent of total income.

In contrast, the poorest 20 per cent of the country possesses a mere 7.6 per cent share of the national income, highlighting a significant divide in resource distribution.

Severe material deprivation is a daily reality for many, as 14.9 per cent of people are unable to afford basic goods and services required for a dignified standard of living.

The financial strain is most evident in emergencies, with 99.9 per cent of those in the low-income bracket admitting they cannot cover an unexpected expense of €500.

Dietary standards are also slipping for the most disadvantaged, as 41.6 per cent of the poor population cannot afford a protein-rich meal every second day.

Housing conditions are deteriorating alongside income, with 82.6 per cent of the poor population stating they are overburdened by housing costs and rent.

Overcrowding is a major issue, affecting 35.3 per cent of those in poverty and more than half of all children living in low-income households.

Basic utilities have become a source of stress, with 66.6 per cent of poor households reporting difficulty paying electricity and water bills on time.

Heating the home is another significant challenge, as 35.9 per cent of those at risk of poverty describe an inability to keep their residence warm during the winter.

The economic pressure extends to social lives, with 27.3 per cent of the total population unable to afford regular leisure activities like the cinema or sport.

Personal well-being is intrinsically linked to these figures, as 21.8 per cent of the poor population describe themselves as dissatisfied with their lives.

Health outcomes are also suffering, with 32.8 per cent of low-income individuals foregoing necessary medical treatment due to a lack of funds or long waiting lists.

Dental care is even more inaccessible, with 55.4 per cent of the poor population missing essential dental check-ups for financial reasons.

Educational attainment serves as a primary shield against these risks, as the poverty rate for university graduates is just 7.1 per cent.

Conversely, those with lower levels of education face a poverty risk of 29.9 per cent, nearly four times higher than their more educated peers.

Employment status does not guarantee security, as 9.7 per cent of workers remain at risk of poverty, a figure that jumps to 21.4 per cent for part-time staff.

Single-parent households face some of the highest pressures, with a poverty risk of 36.1 per cent compared to 22.1 per cent for two-adult homes.

Renters are also more exposed than homeowners, with 30.6 per cent of tenants facing poverty compared to those living in their own properties.

The data suggests that while inequality has seen a very minor reduction since 2015, the structural risk of poverty remains a “Sword of Damocles” for millions.

The survey also touched upon social trust, finding that only 0.7 per cent of the population has full confidence in their fellow citizens.

The vast majority of Greeks, approximately 62 per cent, still claim to be very satisfied with life despite these mounting financial pressures.

However, the disparity in quality of life between the wealthy and the poor continues to widen, particularly regarding access to healthcare and housing quality.