Nearly 490,000 people in Flanders living below poverty line

About 490,000 people in Flanders were living in households with an income below the poverty line in 2024, according to new figures from Statistiek Vlaanderen.

This represents 7.2% of the population, a decrease from 9.7% in 2019. The figure is also lower than the Belgian average of 11%, and well below poverty rates in Wallonia (13%) and Brussels (23%).

The statistics are based on the EU-SILC survey, carried out last year using income data from 2024. The survey method was significantly revised in 2019, making comparisons with earlier years difficult. However, the data still show a clear decline in poverty risk since that year.

The highest poverty risk is found among people born outside the European Union (27%), unemployed people (26%), and single-parent families (18%). Couples with three children (16%) also face a relatively high risk.

There are no notable differences between men and women, but age plays a role. The poverty rate is highest among young people aged 0-24. Among those aged 65 and over, the risk fell significantly between 2019 and 2025, dropping from 12.8% to 7.6%.

Housing status also matters. Tenants face a much higher poverty risk (17%) than homeowners (5%).

Education levels show a similar pattern: 4% of highly educated people fall below the poverty line, compared with 13% of those with lower education.

By region, the poverty risk is highest in the province of Antwerp (10%), followed by Limburg (7%). East Flanders, West Flanders and Flemish Brabant each record 6%.

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