As of 2024, the top 1% in Croatia earned 9.65% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 18.96%. Croatia’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 4.16%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Croatia in 2024
In 2024, income in Croatia was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 9.65% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 18.96% of income, notably higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Croatia | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 9.65% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 34.78% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 18.96% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Croatia?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Croatia’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 4.16% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 5.49 percentage points to 9.65%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Croatia has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 27.23% while the bottom 50% received 22.66%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 34.78% and 18.96% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 4.16% | 27.23% | 22.66% | 4.57 pp |
| 1986 | 4.23% | 27.66% | 21.61% | 6.05 pp |
| 1992 | 5.75% | 30.97% | 20.38% | 10.59 pp |
| 1998 | 7.26% | 33.08% | 18.77% | 14.31 pp |
| 2004 | 8.17% | 32.01% | 19.94% | 12.07 pp |
| 2010 | 8.93% | 32.67% | 19.22% | 13.45 pp |
| 2016 | 9.63% | 33.16% | 19.43% | 13.73 pp |
| 2022 | 9.65% | 34.76% | 18.98% | 15.78 pp |
How Croatia Compares Globally
Croatia vs Europe Average
Compared to other countries in Europe, Croatia’s top 1% income share of 9.65% is slightly lower than the regional average of 10.86%. The bottom 50% in Croatia receives 18.96% of income, compared to the Europe average of 20.10%.
Where Croatia Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Croatia ranks 164th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Croatia ranks 30th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Croatia include Kosovo's income inequality, income distribution in Belarus, income distribution in Norway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Croatia?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Croatia earned 9.65% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered relatively low by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Croatia?
Income inequality in Croatia has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 4.16% in 1980 to 9.65% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Croatia?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Croatia received 18.96% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 34.78%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.