Severe deprivation rises in Spain despite economic growth

Spain’s severe deprivation rate rose to 8.1% in 2025, up from 7.4% in 2015, leaving it fifth-highest in the European Union.

Over the same period, the EU average fell from 9.7% to 6.3%.

The figures come from an analysis by Funcas using Eurostat data, and show that economic growth and job creation have not brought similar improvements for households struggling to meet basic needs.

The measure includes being unable to afford things such as a week’s holiday, keeping a home at a suitable temperature or replacing worn-out furniture.

Families with children had a 10.7% rate in 2025, compared with 4.7% among people over 65 and 8.1% across the population.

Raising children brings recurring costs, and tight budgets leave less room for unexpected expenses.

Funcas recommends more support for families, including child payments, help with housing and affordable childcare, as well as steadier jobs and better wages for working-age people.