More than one in three Finnish young adults aged 18-29 are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, with the number of those at risk increasing by 36,000 in 2024.
A study published by Statistics Finland reveals that over one-third of Finnish youths aged 18 to 29 are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This alarming trend has seen an increase of 36,000 individuals at risk in 2024 alone, suggesting a growing crisis among the youth demographic. The data indicates a 10 percentage point rise in the risk of poverty or social exclusion since 2018, highlighting a significant worsening of circumstances for young adults in the country.
The statistics shed light on the vulnerability of young singles, where a staggering 54% of those under 35 living alone face poverty or social exclusion risks as of 2025, up from 39% in 2018. The stark reality is underscored by the fact that over half of those identified at risk in 2024 were between 18 to 49 years old, while seniors aged 65 and older accounted for about 15%. These figures paint a concerning picture of a demographic struggling with socioeconomic stability.
Overall, in 2024, approximately 17.3% of the Finnish household population - totaling 958,000 individuals - found themselves facing risks of social exclusion or poverty. While the numbers rose significantly among those aged 18-49, there was a decrease in the risk for others. According to Statistics Finland, those typically at risk are low-income individuals, with a reported count of 750,000 struggling in this regard. This data suggests an urgent need for government intervention and support programs to address the rising poverty levels among the youth in Finland.
