This research examines income inequality and intergenerational mobility in Crete, highlighting key features of the region’s social and economic structure. The data show that inequality is not evenly distributed across social groups, but is influenced by factors such as household size, employment status and education level. In contrast to the national picture, in Crete smaller households, and especially single-member households, seem to be more affected by the increase in income inequality, which suggests the need for more targeted regional policies.

Significant differences are also observed between social groups. The unemployed show a greater deterioration in income inequalities compared to the national average, possibly due to seasonality and unstable employment. Accordingly, pensioners show increased inequality indicators, with strong differences between low and high-income pensioners. At the same time, inequalities increase significantly among people with a lower educational level, reflecting the structural polarization of the labor market.

The analysis of the level of regional units shows that there is no single pattern of income inequality in Crete. Heraklion shows higher income but also greater income differences, Chania shows a more balanced income distribution, Lassithi is characterized by a greater distance between low and high incomes, while Rethymno shows lower total incomes and higher poverty. The findings highlight that the factors affecting inequality differ significantly between regional units.

Finally, the research examines intergenerational mobility, i.e. the extent to which individuals’ social and economic status is influenced by their family of origin. In Crete, educational mobility is present but limited, particularly in terms of access to tertiary education, while occupational mobility appears even more limited. However, income mobility appears relatively more favorable, possibly due to the specificities of the local economy, which highlights the importance of policies that enhance both equal opportunities and the reduction of inequalities.