Poverty Still Hits Rural Areas Hardest, Even as Overall Rate Drops

Belize saw a drop in multidimensional poverty in September 2025, according to new data from the Statistical Institute of Belize(SIB), which measures poverty not just by money but by overlapping hardships such as weak housing, limited schooling, poor job opportunities, or lack of basic services.

SIB reported that 19.1 percent of the population were estimated to be multidimensionally poor, down from 22.1 percent in September 2024.

This means fewer people are dealing with multiple struggles at once. The survey found that 13,095 fewer people were living in multidimensional poverty compared to last year. The biggest improvements came from better internet access, stronger food security, and more young people participating in school, training, or work.

Yet for those still affected, the depth of poverty barely changed. Many households continue to face overlapping challenges, from poor housing materials to limited assets.

Poverty remains far more common in rural areas than in towns and cities. Toledo still has the highest poverty levels, though it recorded progress in sanitation, internet access, and food security. Stann Creek was the only district where conditions worsened, with more households reporting overcrowding and poor sanitation.

Households headed by Maya persons were the most affected, while Garifuna and Creole households reported the lowest levels of poverty. Education made the biggest difference, with families led by someone with higher schooling least likely to be poor, while those with no education faced the greatest risk.