site.btaNearly 20% in Plovdiv Region Below Poverty Line in 2024

Nearly 20% of the population in the region were below the poverty line, which marks an increase by 18% compared to 2023. The relative share of the poor population decreased by 1 percentage point, according to data of the Territorial Statistical Bureau - South at the National Statistical Institute.

The poverty line for Plovdiv Region in 2024 was BGN 681.58 on average per month per person. Poverty and social inclusion indicators are part of the European Community's common indicators for monitoring the progress of countries in the fight against poverty and social exclusion, the Territorial Statistical Bureau - South stated in its report.

They emphasized that the common indicators for assessing poverty also include subjective indicators related to material deprivation, which show the subjective assessment and personal attitudes of individuals and households regarding the possibilities of satisfying individual needs and wants.

The largest number of people experienced limitations in terms of the ability to meet unexpected expenses with their own funds, to afford a one-week vacation away from home, to afford replacing outdated furniture and to buy two pairs of shoes depending on the season. Over 21% of people limit themselves in heating their home, while over 27% of the population lived in severe material deprivation.

In 2024, the lowest poverty line was observed in the regions of Vidin and Silistra, while the highest was recorded in Sofia, followed by Pernik, Varna, Kyustendil and Stara Zagora. The highest relative share of poor people was reported in the regions of Pernik, Stara Zagora, Targovishte, Varna and Sofia, with the lowest relative share seen in Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Montana, Silistra, Smolyan, and Shumen.