The data, released by Idescat in coordination with the INE, shows that 47.3% of the population in Catalonia reports difficulties making ends meet, a figure that represents a minimal improvement compared to the 47.6% registered in 2024. Nevertheless, 9.2% of respondents state they reach the end of the month with "great difficulty."
This situation is framed by an increase in general poverty in Catalonia, which stands at 24.8%, 0.8 percentage points higher than in 2024. This increase breaks the downward trend that had been maintained since the pandemic year, 2020, when the rate was 26.7%.
One of the most worrying figures is the continued rise in child poverty, which affects 36.1% of minors under 16 years old. Furthermore, poverty disproportionately affects vulnerable groups: 48.6% of foreign nationals and 55.2% of the unemployed population are below the social exclusion threshold.
35.5% of Catalans state they could not cope with an unforeseen expense of 900 euros, a figure reflecting the economic fragility of many households.
The study, which uses the AROPE rate (standardized European indicators), also notes that, despite a slight decrease in the inability to afford a week's holiday or keep the home at an adequate temperature, the percentage of citizens unable to cover an unexpected expense is rising.
