West Lothian Poverty Profile 2026
In 2026, the profile of West Lothian tells us that the demographics of poverty has continued to change and, in some aspects, have worsened following the impact of the Cost of Living crisis over the past four years. There are now fewer people claiming out-of-work benefits and more people in employment than when the first Anti-Poverty strategy was developed in 2012.
- 14% of the West Lothian population experience some form of financial hardship
- 24.1% of children in West Lothian are living in poverty
- West Lothian has 22 data zones in the 15% most deprived areas in Scotland
- In the 2024/25 financial year, the West Lothian Food Bank delivered 4,040 emergency food parcels to 7,313 people in West Lothian, a decrease from 4,600 the previous year
- The food network supported an estimated 16,743 people in Q4 2024/25, with the majority of those accessing community food support indicating they are financially at risk, on a low income and/or unemployed.
West Lothian continues to face a range of socio-economic challenges that impact residents' financial security and wellbeing. While unemployment remains low and poverty levels are close to the Scottish average and slightly below the UK average, underemployment, insecure work, and rising living costs are contributing to increased levels of in-work poverty.
A significant proportion of the population is economically inactive due to health conditions or caring responsibilities, with mental health a key factor, particularly among younger people. Poverty remains a concern across multiple groups, including children and pensioners. In addition, in-work poverty persists, as gross wage levels for full-time employment in West Lothian generally fall just below the Scottish average. Rising living costs have further intensified financial pressures, leading to an increase in extreme fuel poverty among West Lothian households.
The following pages will provide more detailed insights into child poverty, work and poverty, fuel poverty, pensioners and poverty, and disability, ill health, carers and poverty in West Lothian.
