This paper offers new empirical evidence on the measurement of low-income incidence in Spain and the identification of its main explanatory factors. Mean regional Minimum Income benefits have been used as a poverty line. The statistical source of reference is the Family Budget Survey. The results reveal notable temporal changes in the total number of low-income households, plus significant shifts in their socio-economic characteristics. Logistic regressions confirm the existence of three explanatory factors: the category and size of the household, the role played by education and employment, and the impact of geographical residence. The most prominent result within the macroeconomic field is the fact that economic growth can reduce low-income incidence if intense redistributive policies and changes in some unemployment characteristics, such as the rates affecting heads of households.

Keywords: minimum income, poverty, income distribution.
JEL classification: I32, D31.