Poverty and living standards in Beirut, Lebanon: official figures
25.5% of households in Beirut described themselves as poor or very poor in 2018-19, 3rd lowest of 6 areas (Lebanon: 26.3%). This is how households classified themselves, not an official poverty line.
How many households in Beirut have a low income?
20.1% of households in Beirut had a monthly income below 800,000 Lebanese pounds in 2018-19, 2nd lowest of 6 areas (Lebanon: 25.7%).
Source: Central Administration of Statistics, Lebanon · saved copyHow many households in Beirut receive aid?
1.3% of households in Beirut received government aid (such as hospitalisation, education or damage payments) and 1.9% received transfers from UNHCR in 2018-19 (Lebanon: 4.6% and 2.9%).
Source: Central Administration of Statistics, Lebanon · saved copyHow many homes in Beirut are very small?
23.0% of main homes in Beirut had only one or two rooms in 2018-19, the highest of 6 areas (Lebanon: 17.1%).
Source: Central Administration of Statistics, Lebanon · saved copyHow many households in Beirut are well off?
7.6% of households in Beirut described themselves as wealthy or financially comfortable, 66.9% as average or between average and poor, in 2018-19 (Lebanon: 6.1% and 67.5%).
Source: Central Administration of Statistics, Lebanon · saved copyHow Beirut compares with other governorates
Households calling themselves poor or very poor (2018-19)
Beirut ranks 4 of 6, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Households calling themselves poor or very poor |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel | 35.7% |
| 2 | North Lebanon and Akkar | 31.0% |
| 3 | Nabatieh | 25.6% |
| 4 | Beirut | 25.5% |
| 5 | South Lebanon | 24.1% |
| 6 | Mount Lebanon | 23.1% |
Households with income below LBP 800,000 a month (2018-19)
Beirut ranks 5 of 6, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Households with income below LBP 800,000 a month |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel | 34.8% |
| 2 | Nabatieh | 32.3% |
| 3 | South Lebanon | 32.0% |
| 4 | North Lebanon and Akkar | 29.8% |
| 5 | Beirut | 20.1% |
| 6 | Mount Lebanon | 20.0% |
More on Beirut: overview · economy and jobs · health · education and schools · Lebanon
Sources
- Central Administration of Statistics, Lebanon: Labour Force and Household Living Conditions Survey 2018-2019, primary residences tables (HH6 rooms, HH17 services), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 62939f3a09ee…)
- Central Administration of Statistics, Lebanon: Labour Force and Household Living Conditions Survey 2018-2019, income tables (RF1 sources of household income, RF2 monthly household income, RF3 financial self-classification), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 a0a24d904a53…)
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