According to reports based on data from Statistics Sweden (SCB) released in late 2024 and early 2025, the number of people in Sweden experiencing material and social deprivation has increased, with figures indicating that over half a million (roughly 700,000) people live in this state.
Data released by Statistics Sweden (SCB) reveals that the number of people living in poverty has jumped, and could reach 10 % of the population, Increased Vulnerability: Data from early 2025 indicates that “material and social poverty” has significantly increased, with some reports citing that nearly 700,000 people are affected.The study defines poverty as the inability to afford basic necessities for daily life.
Experts hold differing opinions on the reasons for this sharp increase.Professor Tapio Salonen, a social work professor at Malmรถ University, believes the cause lies in the failure to raise certain benefits, such as housing assistance and unemployment benefits (a-kassa), in line with the price increases the country has experienced in recent years.
In contrast, Fredrik Koppsch, an economist at the Tempro Foundation, considers inflation itself the decisive factor behind the rise, pointing out that soaring prices are the primary explanation for the decline in purchasing power among a large segment of the population.
These figures come amidst ongoing political debate about economic and social policies and the adequacy of social safety nets in the face of price volatility and the rising cost of living.
