As of 2024, the top 1% in Canada earned 12.06% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 16.92%. Canada’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 7.60%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Canada in 2024
In 2024, income in Canada was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 12.06% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 16.92% of income, slightly higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Canada | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 12.06% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 36.78% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 16.92% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Canada?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Canada’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 7.60% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 4.46 percentage points to 12.06%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Canada has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 30.03% while the bottom 50% received 21.97%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 36.78% and 16.92% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 7.60% | 30.03% | 21.97% | 8.06 pp |
| 1986 | 7.81% | 29.65% | 21.11% | 8.54 pp |
| 1992 | 9.19% | 31.83% | 18.99% | 12.84 pp |
| 1998 | 11.27% | 34.86% | 17.21% | 17.65 pp |
| 2004 | 13.59% | 37.56% | 17.01% | 20.55 pp |
| 2010 | 12.35% | 36.52% | 17.05% | 19.47 pp |
| 2016 | 9.90% | 34.13% | 17.80% | 16.33 pp |
| 2022 | 12.06% | 36.78% | 16.92% | 19.86 pp |
How Canada Compares Globally
Canada vs North America Average
Compared to other countries in North America, Canada’s top 1% income share of 12.06% is notably lower than the regional average of 20.66%. The bottom 50% in Canada receives 16.92% of income, compared to the North America average of 11.73%.
Where Canada Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Canada ranks 143rd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Canada ranks 54th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Canada include New Zealand's income inequality, Equatorial Guinea, income distribution in Mali.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Canada?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Canada earned 12.06% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Canada?
Income inequality in Canada has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 7.60% in 1980 to 12.06% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Canada?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Canada received 16.92% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 36.78%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.