WILLEMSTAD — Almost 30 percent of all households in Curaçao lived below the poverty line in 2023, according to new data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). The bureau defines the poverty line as a gross monthly income of 3,200 Antillean guilders. The percentage of low-income households has risen significantly from 25 percent in 2011, highlighting a growing trend of economic hardship on the island.
The increase affects both small and large households, particularly in districts such as Scharloo, Fortuna, Koraal Specht, and Paradijs, where between 46 and 60 percent of households fall below the poverty threshold.
Rising Income Inequality
The poverty line is calculated based on the minimum income required to meet basic needs. However, the CBS notes that household size was not factored into the analysis—meaning larger families are likely to be disproportionately affected. Income disparities are also significant across demographic groups and geographic regions. Average gross household income varies widely depending on the number of employed individuals and the overall education level within the household.
Employment Up, But Poverty Persists
While poverty remains a serious issue, the latest 2024 Labor Force Survey offers a more optimistic picture on employment. Unemployment on the island dropped sharply from just over 13 percent in 2022 to nearly 8 percent in 2024. The number of unemployed residents fell by almost 4,000 to just over 6,000, while the number of employed individuals rose by more than 5,000 to nearly 72,000.
However, the economically inactive population—which includes students, retirees, and homemakers—increased by nearly 7,500, a trend that could offset some of the labor market gains.
Persistent Vulnerabilities
According to CBS director Sean de Boer, the economic recovery is indeed visible in the job market, but income data shows that structural poverty remains unresolved. Households without permanent contracts or with only one income source are at the highest risk. The data also reveals gender and age disparities: men generally earn more than women, and older workers are more likely to earn below minimum wage.
Regional Disparities
The highest employment rates were found in neighborhoods like Punda (over 71 percent), Spaanse Water (61 percent), and Rancho (60 percent). In contrast, Bándabou, Koraal Specht, and Groot Piscadera reported the lowest levels of workforce participation and the highest unemployment rates—reaching up to 11 percent in some areas.
The CBS findings underscore a stark reality: despite encouraging labor market trends, income inequality and poverty remain entrenched problems, especially in certain communities. Without targeted policy interventions, Curaçao's economic gains may continue to leave its most vulnerable residents behind.
