Alarming numbers: 336,000 Austrians live in extreme poverty!

Alarming numbers: 336,000 Austrians live in extreme poverty!

The social situation in Austria remains tense, despite the stable framework in the welfare state. According to current surveys, 336,000 people live, which corresponds to 3.7 % of the population in private households, in absolute poverty. This number has not changed compared to the previous year, while the poverty or exclusion of exclusion applies a total of 1.529 million people, i.e. 16.9 % of the population. This development raises questions about the effectiveness of social measures.

In 2023, the situation was even more serious than the absolute poverty figures rose by 201,000 to 336,000. The pressure on those affected remains high because they often cannot manage unexpected expenses of up to 1,390 euros and cannot afford a vacation. The situation of people with a lower education is particularly worrying: 9.7 % of people with a maximum compulsory school leaving certificate are significantly material and socially disadvantaged, which increases their risk of being at risk of poverty.

Poverty risk according to educational degree

The income differences are clearly revealed: People with compulsory school leaving certificate are affected by an income disadvantage of 17.5 % compared to the median of the total population. In contrast, academics have: inside an income advantage of 24 %. The figures make it clear that education plays a crucial role in avoidance poverty; People with low educational qualifications are more than twice as often at risk of poverty compared to their academically educated fellow citizens: inside.

welfare state and quality of life

The role of the welfare state is of great importance in the current debate. Without social achievements and pensions, the risk of poverty would be 43 %, which can be reduced to 14.3 % through state support. Nevertheless, 2.7 million people (31 %) perceive housing costs as a significant burden, while rental prices have increased by up to 25 % in recent years. The stresses due to rising rents are gradually defused by expecting characterized reforms of social assistance that aims at integration into the labor market.