![](https://maltadaily.mt/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/poverty-web.png)
New figures published by the National Statistics Office have revealed that one in five Maltese people are at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
The AROPE (at risk of poverty or social exclusion) rate stood at an alarming 20.3% last year which is a 0.4% increase from the previous year 2020.
The report also revealed that the increase affected most age groups however the age group affected most was the over-65s, who experienced an almost 30% poverty risk rate. This also now means that there are over 103,000 people in Malta and Gozo including those who are under-18 who are now at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
The rate for people only at risk of poverty stood at 16.9% in 2021 and without all social benefits like pensions it would increase by 19.3% to 36.2% of the country being at risk of poverty.
The ARP rate is highest in the Northern Harbour district, which includes Birkirkara, Gżira, Ħamrun, Msida, Pembroke, Pieta, Qormi, St Julian’s, San Ġwann, Santa Venera, Sliema, Swieqi and Ta’ Xbiex. Here, the ARP rate stands at 19.8%.
Whilst the lowest ARP rate is in the South Eastern District which includes places like Marsaxlokk, Marsaskala and Birgu and stands at a low 11.8%.
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