HBAI

Households Below Average Income (HBAI)

The Households Below Average Income (HBAI) report presents information on UK living standards based on household income measures for financial year ending (FYE) 2025. Estimates are provided for average incomes, income inequality, and for the number and percentage of people living in low-income households. The statistics are the UK’s primary source of poverty estimates and, with a larger sample size, are also the main source on household incomes.

The HBAI statistics are commonly referred to as ‘poverty statistics’ which show the number or percentage of people living in poverty. This publication uses terms such as ‘income statistics’ and ‘people living in low-income households’ to describe more precisely what the data reflects. Although low income is a significant aspect of poverty, there are other aspects of poverty too. This publication also includes measures of ‘material deprivation’, which provide an indication of peoples’ ability to access or afford a range of everyday goods and services. Supporting statistics are also provided on household food security levels and prevalence of food bank usage for all individuals in the UK, including those in low-income households.

NOTE:

• The 2024/25 HBAI publication features an improved approach to using administrative data in place of FRS survey responses both for 2024/25 and some back-series years. Information on the major state benefits and tax credits is now based on administrative data (admin-linked) rather than survey responses.
• From the 2024/25 HBAI publication, the fixed reference year for absolute low income has been updated from 2010/11 to 2024/25 for 4 years (2021/22 to 2024/25)

Further details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Note: Data presented below is based on a 3-year rolling average.

Useful Links

Households Below Average Income: GOV.UK

Data: StatXplore