Recent data from Rosstat, cited by TASS, highlights a significant reality for large families in Russia: a sizable portion live with limited income. The latest figures indicate that about one in three large families faces low income, underscoring ongoing economic pressures that affect household budgets, consumption, and long term planning. These numbers reflect a broader trend in which income distribution among big families was more precarious a decade ago and shows gradual, albeit uneven, improvement as the economy evolves and social support systems adapt.
For the year 2022, the share of low income among large families stood at 30.5 percent. This marks a clear decline from 2015, when low income affected 54.3 percent of large families. The shift points to improvements in employment, wage growth in certain sectors, and a proliferation of social safety nets aimed at stabilizing family finances. At the same time, the data remind observers that the income gap within households of multiple dependents remains a persistent issue that requires continued policy focus and targeted assistance to maintain progress and prevent backsliding during economic volatility.
Meanwhile, the poverty rate among families with young children has decreased to 14.2 percent. Projections suggest a continued downward trajectory, with expectations of about 12 percent by 2030 and possibly reaching around 8 percent by 2036. These forecasts depend on a mix of labor market developments, educational opportunities, regional disparities, and the effectiveness of programs designed to support families with children, including childcare, healthcare access, and income stabilization measures. The optimistic outlook hinges on maintaining momentum in these areas and addressing factors that could slow progress, such as inflation or regional economic imbalances.
Research from the Institute of Social Policy at the National Research University Higher School of Economics indicates that large families are likely to become a leading group in terms of borrowing. The observed level of debt among large families rose from 59 percent to 67 percent year over year, signaling greater reliance on borrowed funds to cover essential costs, manage households, and bridge gaps between income and expenses. In contrast, households with two children saw a decline in debt from 58 percent to 54 percent, and single-child families also reported a decrease from 58 percent to 54 percent. These patterns suggest a shifting borrowing dynamic where the presence of more dependents influences both the need to borrow and the capacity to manage debt, shaped by the availability of microcredit options and the overall credit environment.
Earlier reports noted a trend toward increased microloan activity among Russian borrowers. The growing popularity of microfinance reflects a demand for quick, accessible credit to handle everyday expenses, emergencies, and educational or medical costs. As borrowing behavior evolves, it raises questions about financial literacy, repayment ability, and the role of microfinance institutions in safeguarding consumer welfare. This momentum also highlights the importance of clear regulations, transparent terms, and responsible lending practices to prevent over-indebtedness while enabling families to navigate financial challenges more effectively.
There have been discussions about new procedures for handling loan debts, including potential write-offs under certain circumstances. Such policy developments underline the ongoing effort to balance debt relief with sustainable credit markets. The evolving approach aims to provide relief where appropriate while preserving incentives for responsible borrowing and ensuring that households can recover financially without becoming trapped in cycles of debt. Observers emphasize the need for careful design to avoid moral hazard and to ensure that any measures align with long-term economic stability and social well-being.