“The poverty report shows that poverty remains a significant issue even in an economically strong city like Regensburg. The report provides valuable insights for taking targeted measures and providing the people affected with the help they need. We will continue to work together to combat poverty in our city and enable all citizens to participate in society on an equal footing,” said Mayor Astrid Freudenstein.
Work on the Regensburg Poverty Report began in 2023. A research team led by Prof. Dr. Ina Schildbach, Prof. Dr. Wolfram Backert and students from the Faculty of Social and Health Sciences evaluated official statistics, municipal figures and data from various offices and institutions. The team also interviewed employees in public authorities and social institutions, volunteers and people affected by poverty. “Our aim was to depict as broad a spectrum of urban society as possible and also to allow people affected by poverty to have their say,” says Prof. Dr. Ina Schildbach. The team also carried out a social space analysis and integrated student work into the report.
The evaluations show a broad spectrum of affected groups and problem situations: “Poverty in Regensburg is very strongly linked to issues of origin, gender, family forms, education and age,” adds Prof. Dr. Wolfram Backert.
The main results at a glance
- Risk groups: In addition to known risk groups such as single parents and the long-term unemployed, people with a migration background are affected more frequently than average. The risk of poverty is particularly noticeable among older women with a migration background.
- Housing market as a risk factor: The tight housing market in the city is a defining factor in the incidence of poverty. “Improving the general supply of housing - especially in the area of social housing - would be a key to relieving the situation,” says Tobias Kraus, social space expert in the team. In addition, people's social and food spaces need to be taken into account: “The disappearance of infrastructure such as shopping facilities, meeting places or medical care is a critical factor.”
- Rising cost of living: In addition to high rents, the rising cost of living is an additional burden for those affected. Jan Igloffstein, another student team member, confirms: “It's less about low wages and more about the wage and price trends of recent years.”
- Psychosocial consequences: Another problem is the psychosocial consequences - especially for older people. “Poverty is associated with shame. This leads to social withdrawal and even exclusion. As a result, many of those affected do not even claim their rights to support out of shame,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Schildbach. Older people in particular are often invisible - with negative consequences for their participation in society. More open communication in urban society could help to reduce this shame.
- City pass as an effective tool: The team rates the Regensburg city pass positively as a tool to promote social participation. However, the number of actual users lags behind the number of people entitled to use it.
Digital platform bundles information and offers of help
To accompany the Regensburg Poverty Report, a dedicated website has been created that offers a compact summary of the report as well as a wealth of additional information. Particularly helpful: a continuously updated overview of contact points, institutions and offers of help in Regensburg. It is intended to make it easier for people in precarious situations to access social infrastructure.
Website: www.armutsbericht-regensburg.de
Support from numerous partners
The Regensburg Poverty Report 2025 was supported by the City of Regensburg, the Rotary Club Regensburg-Millennium, the Sanddorf Foundation and Caritas Regensburg.
