Social Divide and Crime | Housing Issues in Munich

In 2006, the poorest segment of the population in Munich had 617 euros per month at its disposal, while the wealthiest segment received 4,089 euros. By 2014, the income of the poorest had increased by only 3.3% to 637 euros, whereas the income of the wealthiest rose by 5.3% to 4,304 euros – an increase of 20 euros on one side and 215 euros on the other (this is a median calculation excluding the homeless and millionaires, as the usual average calculation including these two income groups would distort the actual values). The gap between income groups is therefore continuing to widen.

Purchasing power also illustrates this: Within Munich, the highest-income group in the districts of Altstadt and Lehel has 2,766 euros per month at its disposal, while residents of Milbertshofen-Am Hart must manage with 1,856 euros – on average, it should be noted, and not as a minimum threshold. Although this amount is still significantly higher than what the average German citizen has available per month, this is put into perspective by the fact that Munich’s cost of living is well above the national average. For example, 1,856 euros would provide a good quality of life in the Ruhr region, but is far from sufficient in Munich. As a result, many people with limited financial means are driven down the wrong path, as the crime rate, as confirmed not only by statistics but also by our private detectives in Munich, increases inversely as income decreases.

Prestigious Accommodation versus Homeless Shelter

The second major social problem, excluding the refugee crisis beginning in 2015, lies in the housing market: there are too few subsidized housing units in the city and too many private, predominantly expensive properties. From 2005 to 2011, rental prices in Munich increased by 27%, and from 2010 to 2015 by 28%. Rents are now approximately 86% above the West German average. Due to costly renovations and the construction of luxury apartments, many people with low or even moderate incomes are no longer able to afford their rent. They become homeless – and often unemployed as a result. In 2014, Munich had around 3,400 homeless individuals, including 1,000 children.

The city administration is attempting to counteract this by issuing building permits exclusively for subsidized housing. However, all these measures take time, which many affected individuals do not have. Often, they see their last resort in crime. Theft for survival – even if driven by unfortunate circumstances, it remains punishable. Our detectives in Munich are increasingly investigating cases of robbery and burglary: +49 89 7007 4378-0.

Property Crimes Remain Punishable

If you have also become a victim of a property crime, contact our private investigators at Aaden Detective Agency Munich: info@aaden-detektive-muenchen.de. As understandable as the desperation of people without financial means may be, victims still suffer unlawful harm and have the right to defend themselves with our assistance.