United Kingdom Poverty Rate
Poverty headcount ratio at $2.15/day SI.POV.DDAY
United Kingdom's poverty rate was 0.50% in 2021, ranked 31st globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1968–2021.
Overview
United Kingdom's poverty rate stood at 0.50% in 2021, a rise of +0.00pp from 2020. United Kingdom ranked 31st globally.
The United Kingdom’s poverty rate, measured as the share of the population living below the national poverty line, has risen modestly over the 54‑year series compiled by the World Bank, reaching 0.50 % in 2021, which places the country 31st globally and ties it with Austria and the United States at the same level. The indicator recorded its all‑time trough of 0.00 % in 1987, a rare moment of statistical zero, before climbing steadily to the current peak, also in 2021. The early record from 1968 shows a rate of 0.20 %, indicating that poverty has more than doubled since the late 1960s. Compared with peers, the United Kingdom’s rate mirrors that of Austria and the United States, while remaining slightly above Tonga’s 0.40 % and Latvia’s 0.50 %. If policy measures to boost inclusive growth and social safety nets are strengthened, the upward trajectory could be tempered, potentially lowering the poverty rate in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Poverty Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0.50% | +0.00pp | #31 |
| 2020 | 0.50% | +0.00pp | #30 |
| 2019 | 0.50% | +0.00pp | #34 |
| 2018 | 0.50% | +0.30pp | #33 |
| 2017 | 0.20% | +0.00pp | #18 |
| 2016 | 0.20% | +0.00pp | #17 |
| 2015 | 0.20% | +0.00pp | #19 |
| 2014 | 0.20% | +0.00pp | #20 |
| 2013 | 0.20% | −0.30pp | #20 |
| 2012 | 0.50% | +0.30pp | #23 |
| 2011 | 0.20% | +0.00pp | #20 |
| 2010 | 0.20% | +0.00pp | #18 |
| 2009 | 0.20% | +0.00pp | #16 |
| 2008 | 0.20% | +0.00pp | #16 |
| 2007 | 0.20% | +0.00pp | #16 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Kingdom matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1985. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw poverty rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
The provided news headlines, focusing on crime in Jamaica and entrepreneurship research in Africa, do not directly relate to the United Kingdom's poverty rate of 0.50%. These developments are geographically and thematically distinct from the economic conditions influencing poverty levels within the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
United Kingdom's poverty rate was 0.50% in 2021. Ranked 31st globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from the previous year.
United Kingdom's poverty rate peaked at 0.50% in 2012.
The lowest poverty rate in United Kingdom was 0.00% in 1971.
United Kingdom ranks 31st globally in poverty rate as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.POV.DDAY. Data sourced from World Bank.
The poverty rate of United Kingdom in 2021 was 0.50%. This ranks 31st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-kingdom_poverty-rate,
title = {United Kingdom Poverty Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-kingdom/poverty-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}