One in Four Yucatán Workers Earns Too Little to Afford Food Despite Economic Growth

Mérida, Yucatán — Despite economic growth in Yucatán, one in four workers earns too little to afford basic food, according to new government data that reveals the limits of a development model generating jobs but not necessarily well-being.

The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) reported that 25.6% of the state’s employed population lived in labor poverty at the end of 2025’s fourth quarter. This means their incomes fall short of covering a basic food basket.

While this marks the lowest rate since records began in 2016, it represents only marginal improvement—down from 26.1% a year earlier and just 0.3 percentage points lower than the previous quarter. The figure contrasts sharply with 2016, when labor poverty affected 43.1% of workers.

The average monthly labor income per person reached 3,706 pesos, the highest in nine years, but increased by a mere 3.62 pesos annually—a 0.1% rise that reflects stagnant purchasing power amid rising prices. Quarterly income actually declined 1.9%.

Total wages paid in Yucatán grew 2.3% to 8.39 billion pesos annually, indicating economic dynamism that hasn’t translated to better conditions for all workers.

Sector Disparities

Income trends varied widely across sectors. Transportation, communications, and storage workers saw average monthly pay drop 14.1% to 8,920 pesos, losing over 1,400 pesos annually. Manufacturing posted the strongest gain at 7.7%, rising to 6,363 pesos monthly.

Gender differences also emerged: women’s average income grew 2.3% while men’s fell by the same percentage, narrowing but not eliminating historical gaps.

Better Than National Average, But Insufficient

Yucatán outperforms national figures, where labor poverty affects 32.3% of workers and average monthly income stands at 3,468 pesos. However, the state’s seven-point advantage doesn’t resolve the underlying issue.

The persistence of labor poverty highlights a structural paradox: employment and average incomes have risen, yet fail to ensure dignified living conditions for all workers. Economic transformation driven by industry, real estate, and services—particularly in Mérida and its metropolitan area—relies heavily on low-to-moderate wage activities, limiting broader welfare impacts.

For thousands in Yucatán, daily work doesn’t guarantee escape from poverty.