If you earn less than €1,245 net per month you are at risk of poverty. Istat says

Understanding the Risk of Poverty in Italy

If you earn less than €1,245 net per month and live alone, you are at risk of poverty.
This is what we learn by connecting the dots scattered in the reports of the Institute: on one side, the definition of the risk of poverty, on the other, the net median income, and in between some percentage data.
Let’s break it down.

Poverty Situation in Italy

Italy confirms once again to be one of the European countries with the highest working poverty.
According to the latest Istat data, 11.5% of workers (2.7 million people) are at risk of poverty, while 8.2% of dependent workers are in absolute poverty.

Calculating the Risk of Poverty

The risk of poverty for workers (18 years and older) is calculated as the percentage of adult workers living in families with a net equivalent income below the poverty risk threshold.
This threshold is relative, set at 60% of the median of the individual distribution of the net equivalent income.

Income Median and Poverty Threshold

According to Istat, in Italy, the median income for 2021-2022 is €26,979 net per family.
The poverty risk threshold is set at 60% of this median, which equals €16,187.

Factors Influencing Poverty Risk

If you live alone and earn less than €1,245 net per month, you are technically at risk of poverty.
However, the situation changes if there are other people in your family contributing to the household income.

Low work intensity and severe material deprivation are also factors considered in identifying poverty conditions.
These include a low employment rate within the family, as well as material deprivation indicators such as late bill payments, inadequate housing heating, inability to afford unexpected expenses, lack of proper meals, lack of essential appliances, and more.

By considering these factors along with income level, the risk of poverty in Italy is a multifaceted issue that goes beyond individual earnings.