Where Are the Poor? A Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Multidimensional Poverty in Chile

This study examines the spatial and temporal distribution of multidimensional poverty in Chile, addressing a gap in the literature by identifying persistent high-poverty clusters and their evolution over time. Despite implementing the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) in 2015, most studies overlook subnational disparities. Using spatial analysis and regression models, findings reveal significant regional inequalities, with communes such as Cami˜na, Tir´ua, and Carahue consistently exhibiting high poverty levels. Results highlight the influence of urbanization, Indigenous population concentration, and geographic distance on poverty. The 2022 reversal in poverty reduction trends, likely driven by social unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the need for adaptive, geographically targeted policies to address structural inequalities and improve resource allocation.