Mauritius Poverty Rate Falls to 8.4%, But Children and Rodrigues Lag Behind
A World Bank report finds poverty declining in Mauritius overall, but children, large families and the island of Rodrigues remain disproportionately at risk.
Mauritius has made measurable progress in reducing poverty over the past several years, according to the latest Poverty and Equity Brief published by the World Bank in October 2026. However, the report warns that significant pockets of vulnerability remain, particularly among children and in the island territory of Rodrigues.
The report draws on data from the 2023 Household Budget Survey, a nationwide study conducted by Statistics Mauritius that tracks how households earn and spend their money. Using a relative poverty threshold, defined as living on less than half the median income per adult equivalent, the poverty rate now stands at 8.4 percent. That is a notable improvement from 10.4 percent recorded in 2017.
Despite this overall progress, the figures reveal sharp contrasts depending on age, family structure and geography.
Children are carrying a disproportionate share of poverty in Mauritius. Some 15.7 percent of children under the age of 16 live below the relative poverty line, compared to just 3.1 percent of elderly people. The gap highlights how social protection systems, including pensions, have been more effective at shielding older Mauritians than younger ones.
Family size also plays a major role. Households with at least three children face a poverty rate of 28.9 percent, nearly three and a half times the national average. Single-parent households show a rate of 12.6 percent, while homes headed by a woman stand at 9.9 percent. Families where the head of household is divorced or separated face a rate of 14.8 percent, suggesting that family breakdown is closely linked to economic hardship.
Geographically, Rodrigues, the semi-autonomous island dependency of Mauritius located roughly 560 kilometres to the northeast, continues to record significantly higher poverty levels than mainland Mauritius. The island has historically faced challenges including limited economic diversification, higher transport costs and fewer employment opportunities, all of which the report identifies as ongoing concerns.
What this means: For everyday Mauritians, this report is a reminder that national averages can mask deep inequalities. Families with young children, especially larger ones, face a risk of poverty that is far above what headline figures suggest. Policymakers will likely face pressure to direct more targeted support toward child welfare, Rodrigues development and single-parent households. The data also signals a need for social programmes to look beyond income and address the structural reasons why certain groups consistently fall behind, even as the economy grows.
The World Bank's Poverty and Equity Briefs are published periodically for countries worldwide and are designed to inform both domestic policy and international development priorities.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current poverty rate in Mauritius?β
According to the World Bank's October 2026 Poverty and Equity Brief, based on the 2023 Household Budget Survey, the relative poverty rate in Mauritius is 8.4 percent. This is defined as living on less than half the national median income per adult equivalent, and is down from 10.4 percent in 2017.
Why is child poverty in Mauritius so much higher than the national average?β
The World Bank report shows that 15.7 percent of children under 16 in Mauritius live in relative poverty, compared to the national average of 8.4 percent. Large families with three or more children face a rate of 28.9 percent. Analysts point to gaps in targeted child welfare programmes and the fact that social protection measures such as the basic retirement pension have been more effective at protecting the elderly than young families.
Why does Rodrigues have higher poverty levels than the rest of Mauritius?β
Rodrigues, a semi-autonomous island dependency of Mauritius located about 560 kilometres northeast of the main island, faces structural economic challenges including limited job diversity, higher costs for goods due to transport distances, and fewer investment opportunities. These factors have historically kept poverty rates on the island above the national average.
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