The number of people at risk of income poverty in the Czech Republic has slightly decreased, though the figures remain concerning. While the count dropped from 1.02 million to 998,200 people, significant shifts are occurring across different demographic groups.
According to the Czech Statistical Office, the percentage of people living below the poverty threshold decreased from 9.8% to 9.5%. The most dramatic improvement was seen among elderly individuals living alone, with their poverty risk dropping from over one-third to just under nineteen percent, largely thanks to pension valorizations in 2022 and 2023.
However, families with children are facing growing challenges. The proportion of households with children at risk of poverty has increased from 10.3% to twelve percent. This trend is particularly evident in major cities, where housing costs are creating significant pressure. Nearly half of families with children under ten in Prague and 39% in regional capitals don’t own their homes, with a third of these families in major cities facing poverty due to high market rents.
The situation reflects broader economic inequalities in Czech society. While the average wage has risen to 49,229 CZK, with a real wage growth of 4.2%, two-thirds of employees still earn below this average. The median wage stands at 41,739 CZK, highlighting the significant income disparity among workers.