Germany Poverty Rate
Poverty headcount ratio at $2.15/day SI.POV.DDAY
Germany's poverty rate was 0.20% in 2020, ranked 19th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from 2019. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2020.
Overview
Germany's poverty rate stood at 0.20% in 2020, a rise of +0.00pp from 2019. Germany ranked 19th globally.
Germany’s poverty rate, measured by the World Bank as the share of the population living below the national poverty line, has remained exceptionally low over the past three decades, standing at 0.20 % in 2020, which places the country 19th globally. The indicator recorded its all‑time peak in the same year, 2020, after a trough of 0.00 % in 2018, indicating a modest rise after a period of virtually no measured poverty. This pattern mirrors the experience of peer economies such as Canada and Denmark, each reporting a poverty rate of 0.20 % in 2020, suggesting that Germany’s modest increase is not unique among high‑income nations with comprehensive social safety nets. The stability of the rate despite economic shocks, including the COVID‑19 pandemic, reflects the resilience of Germany’s welfare system and labour market policies. Continued emphasis on inclusive growth and targeted social programmes will be crucial to prevent any upward drift and to sustain the historically low poverty levels.
Data & projection
| Year | Poverty Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0.20% | +0.00pp | #19 |
| 2019 | 0.20% | +0.20pp | #21 |
| 2018 | 0.00% | −0.20pp | #5 |
| 2017 | 0.20% | +0.20pp | #17 |
| 2016 | 0.00% | +0.00pp | #4 |
| 2015 | 0.00% | +0.00pp | #5 |
| 2014 | 0.00% | +0.00pp | #4 |
| 2013 | 0.00% | +0.00pp | #5 |
| 2012 | 0.00% | +0.00pp | #3 |
| 2011 | 0.00% | +0.00pp | #3 |
| 2010 | 0.00% | +0.00pp | #2 |
| 2009 | 0.00% | +0.00pp | #3 |
| 2008 | 0.00% | +0.00pp | #2 |
| 2007 | 0.00% | +0.00pp | #2 |
| 2006 | 0.00% | +0.00pp | #2 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Germany matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw poverty rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Headlines discussing severe economic inequality in Kenya and social unrest linked to economic disparities in the US provide a stark contrast to Germany's reported poverty rate of 0.20%. The emphasis on social
Frequently Asked Questions
Germany's poverty rate was 0.20% in 2020. Ranked 19th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from the previous year.
Germany's poverty rate peaked at 0.20% in 1992.
The lowest poverty rate in Germany was 0.00% in 1991.
Germany ranks 19th globally in poverty rate as of 2020.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.POV.DDAY. Data sourced from World Bank.
The poverty rate of Germany in 2020 was 0.20%. This ranks 19th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_germany_poverty-rate,
title = {Germany Poverty Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/germany/poverty-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}