One in Four Young People in Germany Faces Poverty or Risk of Falling Into It
New Report Highlights Alarming Poverty Rates Among Youth, Rising Housing Costs, and Growing Economic Challenges in Germany
Watan-A recent analysis revealed that one in four young people in Germany is either living in poverty or at risk of falling into it.
According to the “Youth Poverty Index in Germany,” published Thursday morning in Düsseldorf by the Federal Association for Catholic Youth Social Work, the poverty risk rate in the 18 to 24 age group reached approximately 25% in 2023. For those under 18, the rate was about 21%.
The poverty risk rate refers to the percentage of the population living on less than 60% of the median income. In 2023, this threshold for an individual in Germany, after taxes and social security contributions, was €1,310 per month. Nationwide, nearly 12 million people were at risk of poverty in 2023.
The organization highlighted that poverty is associated with numerous concerns for children and young people. According to the analysis, 54% of young people expressed anxiety about rising rents. In 2023, nearly half of apprentices and about two-thirds of students in Germany were “burdened by housing costs,” meaning they had to spend more than 40% of their income on housing. Additionally, 40% of all homeless individuals residing in shelters in 2024 were under the age of 25.
The organization based its analysis on data from the Federal Statistical Office and various studies.
