EU-SILC 2023: Salient Indicators
We would like to advise that data published in this news release are not comparable to estimates published for reference years prior to 2023 due to a break in series. More information is available in the technical note published on 20 October 2025. Online document was amended to reflect the relative notes, and a change was done in Chart 3 on 07 November 2025.
- The at-risk-of-poverty threshold (ARPT) derived from EU-SILC 2023 was of €11,363.99.
- In 2023, the number of at-risk-of-poverty persons living in private households was estimated at 16.6 per cent of the target population, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points when compared with 2022.
- From EU-SILC 2023, the at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion rate (AROPE) stood at 19.8 per cent, thus registering a decrease of 0.3 percentage points from 2022.
EU-SILC 2023: Salient Indicators
EU-SILC 2023: Salient Indicators
We would like to advise that data published in this news release are not comparable to estimates published for reference years prior to 2023 due to a break in series. More information is available in the technical note published on 20 October 2025. Online document was amended to reflect the relative notes, and a change was done in Chart 3 on 07 November 2025.
Introduction
The European Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) survey is an annual enquiry conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) among persons residing in private households in Malta and Gozo. Income statistics refer to calendar year 2022, while non-income components (such as material deprivation) refer to 2023, which is the data collection year.
The average gross household income for 2022 as derived from EU-SILC 2023, was estimated at €46,976, while the average disposable household income was estimated at €37,275 (Table 4).
In 2023, the severe material and social deprivation rate (SMSD) among persons living in households was 4.1 per cent. This figure was 0.8 percentage points lower than that estimated by EU-SILC 2022. The most influential variables were inability of the household to pay for one week’s annual holiday away from home (30.0 per cent), and inability of the household to face unexpected financial expenses (15.9 per cent) (Table 9).
At-Risk-of-Poverty or Social Exclusion indicator
The AROPE rate defines the proportion/number of people who are either at-risk-of-poverty, or severely materially and socially deprived, or living in households with very low work intensity (applicable only for persons aged 0-64). In EU-SILC 2023, the AROPE rate was estimated at 19.8 per cent, registering a decrease of 0.3 percentage points from 2022. A decrease of 1.9 percentage points can be noted across the 65 and over age group. Thus, the AROPE rate for this cohort stands at 31.4 per cent. On the other hand, an increase can be noted among persons under 18 years, with 2.1 percentage points, thus reaching a rate of 25.2 per cent for this cohort. For the 18-64 age group, the AROPE rate remained unchanged at 15.5 per cent (Table 1).
Table 1. At-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion rates (AROPE) by age group and sex
| Age group | Sex | 2022 | 2023 | |
| % | % | Number of persons below the threshold |
||
| All ages | Males | 18.9 | 18.7 | 52,399 |
| Females | 21.3 | 21.1 | 53,067 | |
| Total | 20.1 | 19.8 | 105,466 | |
| Under 18 | Total | 23.1 | 25.2 | 20,807 |
| 18-64 | Males | 14.9 | 14.8 | 28,519 |
| Females | 16.3 | 16.3 | 26,567 | |
| Total | 15.5 | 15.5 | 55,087 | |
| 65 and over | Males | 29.8 | 29.7 | 13,321 |
| Females | 36.5 | 33.0 | 16,252 | |
| Total | 33.3 | 31.4 | 29,572 | |
Note: Refer to methodological note 7 for details on methodological changes implemented in the EU-SILC following the 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
The at-risk-of-poverty rate (ARP) among persons below 18 years of age was calculated at 22.0 per cent, increasing by 2.7 percentage points from the previous year. A decrease of 0.2 percentage points was observed for persons aged 18-64, bringing the ARP rate for this age cohort down to 12.1 per cent in 2023. The rate for those aged 65 or more went down to 29.0 per cent, equivalent to a decrease of 1.0 percentage points over EU-SILC 2022 (Table 2).
Table 2. At-risk-of-poverty rates by age group and sex
| Age group | Sex | 2022 | 2023 | |
| % | % | Number of persons below the threshold |
||
| All ages | Males | 15.8 | 15.7 | 44,075 |
| Females | 17.8 | 17.6 | 44,387 | |
| Total | 16.7 | 16.6 | 88,462 | |
| Under 18 | Total | 19.3 | 22.0 | 18,173 |
| 18-64 | Males | 12.2 | 11.8 | 22,730 |
| Females | 12.5 | 12.5 | 20,282 | |
| Total | 12.3 | 12.1 | 43,012 | |
| 65 and over | Males | 26.8 | 27.7 | 12,405 |
| Females | 32.8 | 30.2 | 14,872 | |
| Total | 30.0 | 29.0 | 27,277 | |
Note: Refer to methodological note 7 for details on methodological changes implemented in the EU-SILC following the 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
Household Income
For income reference year 2022, the average gross household income was estimated at €46,976. On the other hand, the estimate for the average disposable household income was €37,275. Disposable income is defined as the amount of money available to households for spending purposes, after deducting taxes, social contributions, and alimonies (Table 4).
Employment income made up 85.1 per cent of the total gross household income for 2022. The share of social benefits (including old-age benefits) for 2022 stood at 12.5 per cent (Chart 1).
Note: Refer to methodological note 7 for details on methodological changes implemented in the EU-SILC following the 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
National Equivalised Income (NEI) Distributions
The NEI of a household is defined as the household’s total disposable income divided by its ‘equivalent size’ (also referred to as consumption units). The NEI takes into account the size and age distribution of household members. The Gini coefficient is one of the measures of income inequality that varies between 0 and 100 per cent. A Gini coefficient of 0 per cent indicates a perfectly equal distribution of income. On the other hand, a Gini coefficient of 100 per cent indicates that there is full inequality of income.
The S80/S20 ratio, which compares the average NEI of the highest and lowest 20 per cent income earners, was calculated at 5.4 (Table 4).
The Gini coefficient for Malta, as derived from EU-SILC 2023, increased by 1.9 percentage points to 33.0 per cent, when compared to the previous year (Table 4).
Monetary poverty (ARP)
The at-risk-of-poverty threshold (ARPT) is defined as 60 per cent of the median NEI. EU-SILC respondents whose NEI falls below this threshold are considered to be at-risk-of-poverty (ARP).
The ARPT derived from EU-SILC 2023 was estimated at €11,364, 4.3 per cent higher when compared to the previous year (Table 4).
Based on the income year 2022, the number of at-risk-of-poverty persons living in Malta was estimated at 88,462 or 16.6 per cent of the target population (Table 4).
Chart 2 provides a comparison between the growth indices of the ARPT, the ARP rate (Table 2) and the AROPE rate (Table 1).
Chart 2. Comparison of the at-risk-of-poverty threshold, the at-risk-of-poverty rate and the at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion rate in index form
(EU-SILC 2015 = 100)
No Data Found
Note: Refer to methodological note 7 for details on methodological changes implemented in the EU-SILC following the 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
When all social transfers, including pensions, are excluded, the at-risk-of-poverty rate (ARP) for 2023 increases by 17.0 percentage points, or 90,190 persons (Table 5). This illustrates the importance of social welfare in assisting the most vulnerable persons in society.
The ARP rate for households with and without dependent children were calculated at 17.9 and 15.7 per cent respectively (Table 6). Members of single parent households were noted to be more susceptible to being at-risk-of-poverty, with 41.6 per cent of these having an equivalised disposable income below the ARPT. Members of one person households with an age of 65 years or more, and members of households with two adults and no dependent children with at least one adult aged 65 years or more, were also more prone to being at-risk-of-poverty (Table 6).
The ARP rate among persons living in households with at least one member aged 0-64 years, decreased as the household work intensity increased (refer to methodological note 4). Indeed, 73.5 per cent of persons living in households with very low work intensity were found to be at-risk-of-poverty in EU-SILC 2023 (Table 7).
An increase was recorded in the at-risk-of-poverty rates for the unemployed, retired, and employed persons for the reference year (refer to methodological note 4) when compared to the previous EU-SILC. On the other hand, there was a decrease in the at risk-of-poverty rate for the other inactive persons (Table 8).
At district level, the distribution of persons under the ARP threshold was uneven across the Maltese Islands, with the Gozo and Comino district having the largest share of ARP persons followed by the Northern district. On the other hand, the South Eastern district registered the lowest ARP rate (Map 1).
Map 1. Distribution of the at-risk-of-poverty (ARP) rate by district: 2023
Note: Refer to methodological note 7 for details on methodological changes implemented in the EU-SILC following the 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
Material and Social Deprivation Indicators
The Material and Social Deprivation indicators are based on 13 items, of which seven deprivation items relate to the person’s household and six deprivation items relate to the persons themselves. The list of components was adopted by the EU Member States in 2017 (refer to methodological note 5). From this set of variables two major indicators are obtained, namely the Material and Social Deprivation (MSD) indicator and the Severe Material and Social Deprivation (SMSD) indicator.
When compared to 2022, the highest increases in 2023 were recorded in the respondents who said that their household was unable to afford a meal with meat, chicken, fish, or vegetarian equivalent every second day, and respondents whose household found it difficult to face unexpected financial expenses (Chart 3a and Chart 3b).
Chart 3a. Household Material and Social Deprivation rates among respondents
Chart 3b. Personal Material and Social Deprivation rates among respondents
Note: Refer to methodological note 7 for details on methodological changes implemented in the EU-SILC following the 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
The MSD indicator for EU-SILC 2023 stood at 9.2 per cent, 0.4 percentage points lower than the previous year. Moreover, the SMSD indicator for EU-SILC 2023 decreased by 0.8 percentage points, standing at 4.1 per cent (Table 9) (refer to methodological note 5).
Chart 4. Comparison between the Material and Social Deprivation (MSD) and Severe Material and Social Deprivation (SMSD) rates over the past 5 years
No Data Found
Note: Refer to methodological note 7 for details on methodological changes implemented in the EU-SILC following the 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
Persons are considered to be at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion (AROPE) if residing in a household that falls under one of the following three conditions: at-risk-of-poverty (ARP); Severe Materially and Socially Deprived (SMSD); or has Low Work Intensity (LWI). The greatest contributing factor of at risk-of-poverty or social exclusion in 2023 was from persons who are at-risk-of-poverty with 16.6 per cent (Chart 5).
Chart 5. The at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion indicator and its components
Note: Refer to methodological note 7 for details on methodological changes implemented in the EU-SILC following the 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
The Gozo and Comino district registered the highest rate of AROPE persons, at 26.4 per cent. The lowest AROPE rate was recorded in the South Eastern district, at 15.2 per cent (Map 2).
Map 2. Distribution of the at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion (AROPE) rate by district: 2023
Note: Refer to methodological note 7 for details on methodological changes implemented in the EU-SILC following the 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
Well-Being Characteristics
On a scale from zero to 10, where zero represents not satisfied at all, and 10 represents completely satisfied, respondents at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion reported lower average scores with regard to their satisfaction with overall life, financial situation, current job, and personal relationships, when compared to those not at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion.
Average scores for overall satisfaction in relation to at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion were slightly higher in 2023, when compared to 2022. Particularly, in 2023 respondents at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion reported a mean score of 7.0 for satisfaction with their overall life, an increase of 0.2 points from 2022, a mean score of 6.2 for satisfaction with their financial situation, an increase of 0.4 points from 2022, a mean score of 7.4 for satisfaction with their current job, an increase of 0.1 points from 2022, and a mean score of 8.5 for satisfaction with personal relationships, an increase of 0.3 points from 2022 (Table 10).
Tables
Tables
We would like to advise that data published in this news release are not comparable to estimates published for reference years prior to 2023 due to a break in series. More information is available in the technical note published on 20 October 2025. Online document was amended to reflect the relative notes, and a change was done in Chart 3 on 07 November 2025.
Methodological Notes
7. Following the 2021 Census of Population and Housing, EU-SILC was benchmarked with updated demographic estimates derived from this census. With the availability of the census, it became possible to apply separate calibration weights for Maltese and foreigners within the EU-SILC, starting from reference year 2023. This updated methodology ensured that the distribution by broad citizenship category in the survey population aligned with the census. An analysis was conducted, through several simulations, to re-estimate the headline indicators to assess the impact this change in methodology had on the estimates prior to 2023. The headline indicators are the core indicators produced as part of the EU-SILC and include the at-risk-of-poverty and social exclusion rate (AROPE), at-risk-of-poverty rate (ARP), measures of material and social deprivation (MSD) and low work intensity (LWI). The analysis showed that, while the update adjusted the weighted counts, it did not significantly impact the estimate of the headline indicators, which remained consistent with those produced prior to the change. Consequently, following consultation with Eurostat, an imminent revision of the time-series was not deemed necessary to ensure full adherence with EU Regulation (2019/1700). Estimates of the headline indicators produced from 2023 onwards are therefore considered comparable with the previous time-series.
Due to the impact the change had on the weighted counts individually for foreign and Maltese nationals, caution must be taken when making comparisons between household and individual counts estimated from 2023 onwards, with counts estimated in previous years.
We encourage all users to consult with the NSO when using time-series data from the EU-SILC survey to ensure accurate interpretation of the results.
| Estimate | margin of error at 95% confidence interval | 95% confidence interval | ||
| At-risk-of-poverty | 88,462 | 10,644 | 88,462 ± 10,644 | |
| At-risk-of-poverty rate (%) | Total | 16.6 | 2.0 | 16.6 ± 2.0 |
| Males | 15.7 | 2.3 | 15.7 ± 2.3 | |
| Females | 17.6 | 2.3 | 17.6 ± 2.3 | |
| 0-17 | 22.0 | 5.4 | 22.0 ± 5.4 | |
| 18-64 | 12.1 | 2.0 | 12.1 ± 2.0 | |
| 65+ | 29.0 | 3.6 | 29.0 ± 3.6 | |
| Material and social deprivation | 48,969 | 7,983 | 48,969 ± 7,983 | |
| Material and social deprivation rate (%) | Total | 9.2 | 1.5 | 9.2 ± 1.5 |
| Males | 8.6 | 1.6 | 8.6 ± 1.6 | |
| Females | 9.9 | 1.8 | 9.9 ± 1.8 | |
| 0-17 | 11.5 | 3.5 | 11.5 ± 3.5 | |
| 18-64 | 8.3 | 1.6 | 8.3 ± 1.6 | |
| 65+ | 10.5 | 2.4 | 10.5 ± 2.4 | |
| Severe material and social deprivation | 21,853 | 4,257 | 21,853 ± 4,257 | |
| Severe material and social deprivation rate (%) | Total | 4.1 | 0.8 | 4.1 ± 0.8 |
| Males | 3.7 | 0.8 | 3.7 ± 0.8 | |
| Females | 4.6 | 1.1 | 4.6 ± 1.1 | |
| 0-17 | 5.6 | 2.1 | 5.6 ± 2.1 | |
| 18-64 | 3.7 | 0.8 | 3.7 ± 0.8 | |
| 65+ | 4.5 | 1.3 | 4.5 ± 1.3 | |
| Low work intensity | 15,128 | 3,787 | 15,128 ± 3,787 | |
| Low work intensity rate (%) | Total | 3.6 | 0.9 | 3.6 ± 0.9 |
| Males | 3.1 | 0.9 | 3.1 ± 0.9 | |
| Females | 4.1 | 1.2 | 4.1 ± 1.2 | |
| 0-17 | 4.0 | 1.9 | 4.0 ± 1.9 | |
| 18-64 | 3.5 | 0.9 | 3.5 ± 0.9 | |
| At-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion | 105,466 | 11,176 | 105,466 ± 11,176 | |
| At-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion rate (%) | Total | 19.8 | 2.1 | 19.8 ± 2.1 |
| Males | 18.7 | 2.3 | 18.7 ± 2.3 | |
| Females | 21.1 | 2.4 | 21.1 ± 2.4 | |
| 0-17 | 25.2 | 5.5 | 25.2 ± 5.5 | |
| 18-64 | 15.5 | 2.1 | 15.5 ± 2.1 | |
| 65+ | 31.4 | 3.6 | 31.4 ± 3.6 | |
| At-risk-of-poverty by household type | 88,462 | 10,644 | 88,462 ± 10,644 | |
| At-risk-of-poverty rate (%) | Household without dependent children | 15.7 | 2.0 | 15.7 ± 2.0 |
| One person household, under 65 years | 23.7 | 5.9 | 23.7 ± 5.9 | |
| One person household, 65 years and over | 40.4 | 5.7 | 40.4 ± 5.7 | |
| 2 adults, no dependent children, both under 65 years | 7.2 | 3.4 | 7.2 ± 3.4 | |
| 2 adults, no dependent children, at least one adult 65 years or more | 33.2 | 5.5 | 33.2 ± 5.5 | |
| Other households without dependent children | 4.8 | 3.2 | 4.8 ± 3.2 | |
| Household with dependent children | 17.9 | 4.1 | 17.9 ± 4.1 | |
| Single parent household, one or more dependent children | 41.6 | 12.5 | 41.6 ± 12.5 | |
| 2 adults, one dependent child | 13.4 | 6.3 | 13.4 ± 6.3 | |
| 2 adults, two dependent children | 17.6 | 8.3 | 17.6 ± 8.3 | |
| 2 adults, three or more dependent children | 31.0 | 16.6 | 31.0 ± 16.6 | |
| Other households with one or more dependent children | 6.2 | 5.3 | 6.2 ± 5.3 | |
| At-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion by household type | 105,466 | 11,176 | 105,466 ± 11,176 | |
| At-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion rate (%) | Household without dependent children | 18.7 | 2.1 | 18.7 ± 2.1 |
| One person household, under 65 years | 28.1 | 5.7 | 28.1 ± 5.7 | |
| One person household, 65 years and over | 42.7 | 5.8 | 42.7 ± 5.8 | |
| 2 adults, no dependent children, both under 65 years | 10.3 | 3.9 | 10.3 ± 3.9 | |
| 2 adults, no dependent children, at least one adult 65 years or more | 35.7 | 5.5 | 35.7 ± 5.5 | |
| Other households without dependent children | 7.5 | 3.4 | 7.5 ± 3.4 | |
| Household with dependent children | 21.4 | 4.3 | 21.4 ± 4.3 | |
| Single parent household, one or more dependent children | 48.3 | 12.6 | 48.3 ± 12.6 | |
| 2 adults, one dependent child | 17.7 | 7.1 | 17.7 ± 7.1 | |
| 2 adults, two dependent children | 19.0 | 8.4 | 19.0 ± 8.4 | |
| 2 adults, three or more dependent children | 32.1 | 16.9 | 32.1 ± 16.9 | |
| Other households with one or more dependent children | 11.7 | 6.4 | 11.7 ± 6.4 |
1. less than 20 reporting households; or
2. the non-response for the item concerned exceeds 50 per cent.
