Interactive maps reveal poverty in Victoria remains stubbornly high

MEDIA RELEASE

A new analysis from the Victorian Council of Social Service reveals a staggering 800,000 Victorians are living in poverty, including more than 200,000 kids.

“This is not something we can tolerate,” VCOSS CEO Emma King said.

The new ‘Poverty Maps’ findings, compiled in partnership with economic modelling group NATSEM, reveals poverty exists in every single Victorian community, but is more acute in certain areas and amongst particular groups.

“For example people with a disability and those who don’t speak English very well, are more than two-and-a-half times more likely to live in poverty.”

“Aboriginal Victorians are twice as likely to live in poverty.”

“And, according to our data, there is not a single older person living in public housing in country Victoria who is not living in poverty. The poverty rate is literally 100%.” Ms King said.

Interestingly, there has been a noticeable decrease in the rate of poverty across country Victoria since 2016, although this is mostly explained by higher-income Melburnians moving to the regions during COVID.

Other key findings include:

• Victoria’s overall poverty rate is 13.3%.
• The gap between the rates of poverty in regional and city areas is narrowing.
• Roughly 50,000 more women than men are living in poverty (women represent 55% of all adults in poverty).

Ms King said the interactive VCOSS Poverty Maps and accompanying data dashboard allow people to explore the rates and types of poverty in their own neighbourhood.

“But it will also help government departments, local councils and community service organisations design more tailored social programs to combat poverty.”

“This is an invaluable tool to help people understand their local areas better,” Ms King said.

MAPS

'POVERTY MAPS'

A visual guide to the rates and types of poverty across Victoria