As of 2024, the top 1% in China earned 15.76% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 13.51%. China’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 6.61%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for China in 2024
In 2024, income in China was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 15.76% of total national income, which is roughly on par with the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 13.51% of income, slightly lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | China | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 15.76% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 43.46% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 13.51% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in China?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to China’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 6.61% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 9.15 percentage points to 15.76%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in China has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 28.05% while the bottom 50% received 24.54%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 43.46% and 13.51% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 6.61% | 28.05% | 24.54% | 3.51 pp |
| 1986 | 8.15% | 30.54% | 22.13% | 8.41 pp |
| 1992 | 8.89% | 32.84% | 19.06% | 13.78 pp |
| 1998 | 9.98% | 34.39% | 18.82% | 15.57 pp |
| 2004 | 13.97% | 41.34% | 14.89% | 26.45 pp |
| 2010 | 15.24% | 42.95% | 13.60% | 29.35 pp |
| 2016 | 14.05% | 41.80% | 14.11% | 27.69 pp |
| 2022 | 15.76% | 43.46% | 13.51% | 29.95 pp |
How China Compares Globally
China vs Asia Average
Compared to other countries in Asia, China’s top 1% income share of 15.76% is roughly on par with the regional average of 16.42%. The bottom 50% in China receives 13.51% of income, compared to the Asia average of 15.41%.
Where China Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: China ranks 97th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: China ranks 122nd out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to China include Djibouti's income inequality, Mauritius, Central African Republic's income inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in China?
As of 2024, the top 1% in China earned 15.76% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in China?
Income inequality in China has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 6.61% in 1980 to 15.76% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in China?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in China received 13.51% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 43.46%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.