New figures reveal a substantial income gap between Ceredigion and the rest of Britain, with rural poverty identified as a growing concern.

Around one in three households in Ceredigion has an annual income of £25,000 or less, according to figures published by the county council.

The authority's latest Medium-Term Financial Strategy reveals that 22 percent of households have incomes of £20,000 or less, highlighting the financial challenges facing many residents.

The county's median annual household income stands at £36,826, compared with £38,619 across Wales and £44,853 in Great Britain.

This leaves the typical Ceredigion household with an income approximately £8,000 below the British median.

The figures are drawn from CACI Paycheque data for 2025 and cover household income from employment, pensions, benefits and other sources.

Separate figures from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings show that median gross annual earnings for Ceredigion residents were £29,326 in 2025.

That compares with £30,732 across Wales and £32,978 in Great Britain.

The council acknowledges that lower earnings and household incomes are common challenges in rural counties, but says the gap remains a significant obstacle to Ceredigion's long-term economic development.

Rural poverty has also been identified as a risk on the authority's corporate risk register.

A council research report completed in June warned that conventional deprivation rankings can conceal the difficulties experienced by people living in remote communities.

Although Ceredigion has only one small geographical area ranked among the 10 percent most deprived in Wales, the council says other measures reveal a more complicated picture.

These include housing affordability, fuel poverty, limited public transport and difficulties accessing employment and essential services.

Such pressures can be particularly challenging for residents who must travel considerable distances for work, shopping or healthcare.

The authority warns that persistent financial hardship could increase demand for council services while undermining the wellbeing of rural communities.