The Marina Alta once again leads the worst poverty indicators in the Valencian Community, minus one.

In its latest figures, the Valencian Institute of Statistics (IVE) has identified Marina Alta as the region in Valencia with the highest aggregate AROPE (At Risk of Poverty and/or Exclusion) indicator. Furthermore, it also achieves the worst possible figures in four of the other five poverty and living conditions indicators compiled by the IVE. The latest study cited is the one published with the various subregional indicators for the year 2024.

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AROPE Rate

La AROPE rate, standardized by the European Union, is calculated taking into account 2023 income and the distribution of household income in the Valencian Community. It measures the percentage of the total population at risk of poverty or exclusion and is the main indicator for monitoring the European Union's 2030 poverty and social exclusion target. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), "the AROPE rate is defined as the population that falls within at least one of the following three criteria: at risk of poverty, with severe material and social deprivation, or in households with low employment intensity."

In the Valencia, this figure has increased by almost two points compared to the previous year, being 26,2% in 2024, while in 2023 it was 24,9%. The province of Alicante is the worst off, with seven of its nine regions above the regional average.

This data in the According to the latest figures, Marina Alta stands at 35,5%.. Below is Baix Segura (34,9%) and Marina Baixa (34,4%). On the other hand, the lowest value of the AROPE rate is calculated in l'Alt Maestrat (20,4%), els Ports (18,9%) and la Plana Baixa (18,9%).

Poverty risk rate

The study by the Valencian Institute of Statistics also provides other indicators that highlight the poverty rate and living conditions in the region. Firstly, the poverty risk rate, indicates the proportion of people living in households with incomes below the poverty line. The definition provided by the IVE is: "A measure of relative poverty obtained as the percentage of people whose equivalent income is below the poverty line. The poverty line is set at 60% of the median income per consumption unit of individuals (equivalent income of individuals) and therefore depends on the distribution of this variable."

En este sentido, 20,3% of the population residing in the Valencian Community is below the poverty risk threshold., according to data from 2024. The poverty risk rate It is the only indicator that is not led by the Marina Alta of the entire autonomous community. Above them are Baix Segura, with 28,0%, Marina Baixa (27,8%) and, in third place, Marina Alta (27,4%)On the other hand, the regions with the lowest poverty risk rate are Alt Maestrat (14,9%), Els Ports (13,6%) and Plana Baixa (13,3%).

Proportion of people living in households with material deprivation

The material deprivation rate measures the proportion of the population living in households that lack at least three of the following six items:

• You can't afford to go on vacation for at least one week a year.
• You cannot afford a meal of meat, chicken or fish at least every other day.
• You can't afford to keep your home at a suitable temperature.
• You do not have the capacity to meet unexpected expenses.
• You've had delays in paying expenses related to your primary residence (mortgage or rent, gas bills, community fees, etc.) or on installment purchases in the last 12 months.
• He can't afford to own a car.

In the Marina Alta, 26,9% of the population suffers from material deprivation, exceeding the regional average of 20,8% by six points in 2024. In Marina Baixa, 25,1% of the population suffers from it, and in Baix Segura, 24,5%. The lowest rates in this regard are found in the regions of Alto Mijares (17,6%), Alt Maestrat (17,4%), and Els Ports (17,2%).

Proportion of people living in households with severe material deprivation

In this case, the severe material deprivation rate refers to the proportion of the population in households lacking the six concepts mentioned above. In the Valencian Community, 9% of the population suffers from severe material deprivation. In the case of the Marina Alta, again The first with the worst data is 12,4%..

They are followed by Baix Segura (11,9%) and Marina Baixa (11,2%). The population with the least severe material deprivation is found in the regions of Alt Maestrat (7,0%), Alto Mijares (7,0%), and Els Ports (6,7%).

Proportion of people living in households with severe material and social deprivation

The rate of severe material and social deprivation corresponds to the percentage of the population suffering from at least 7 of the 13 limitations listed. This includes the six previous categories, plus the following seven:

• You cannot replace damaged or old furniture.
• You can't afford to replace damaged clothes with new ones.
• You can't afford to have two pairs of shoes in good condition.
• You can't afford to meet up with friends/family for a meal or drink at least once a month.
• Cannot afford to regularly participate in leisure activities.
• He can't afford to spend a small amount of money on himself.
• Can't afford internet connection.

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In the Valencian Community, 9% of the population is within the range of severe material and social deprivation. In the Marina Alta, the figure increases to 11,9%, just like in Baix Segura. In the Marina Baixa, the third with the worst proportion, it is 11,1%. The lowest percentages belong to l'Alcoià (7,4%), l'Alt Maestrat (7,4%) and els Ports (7,2%).

Average income per consumption unit

The average income per consumption unit is obtained from the total household income, divided by the total number of consumption units. The average regional income is 19.574 euros, while that of the Marina Alta is 15.223 euros., the lowest in the entire Valencian territory. Baix Segura (15.710 euros average income) and Marina Baixa (15.964 euros) are among the three Valencian regions with the lowest incomes. Those with the highest income levels are l'Horta Nord (24.277 euros), els Ports (22.814 euros), and València (22.675 euros).

Poverty and living conditions indicators at the subregional level 2023 in figures

Below is a breakdown of all the data discussed on poverty and living conditions indicators at the subregional level for 2024, by Valencian region.