As of 2024, the top 1% in Cuba earned 19.09% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 12.63%. Cuba’s income inequality has remained relatively stable since 1980, when the top 1% share was 18.91%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Cuba in 2024
In 2024, income in Cuba was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 19.09% of total national income, which is slightly higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 12.63% of income, slightly lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Cuba | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 19.09% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 45.57% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 12.63% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Cuba?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Cuba’s top 1% has remained relatively stable over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 18.91% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 0.18 percentage points to 19.09%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Cuba has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 51.14% while the bottom 50% received 10.23%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 45.57% and 12.63% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 18.91% | 51.14% | 10.23% | 40.91 pp |
| 1986 | 18.91% | 51.14% | 10.23% | 40.91 pp |
| 1992 | 18.91% | 51.14% | 10.23% | 40.91 pp |
| 1998 | 18.91% | 51.14% | 10.23% | 40.91 pp |
| 2004 | 20.19% | 50.53% | 10.85% | 39.68 pp |
| 2010 | 17.11% | 46.72% | 12.46% | 34.26 pp |
| 2016 | 16.06% | 42.31% | 14.15% | 28.16 pp |
| 2022 | 15.22% | 44.39% | 13.08% | 31.31 pp |
How Cuba Compares Globally
Cuba vs North America Average
Compared to other countries in North America, Cuba’s top 1% income share of 19.09% is slightly lower than the regional average of 20.66%. The bottom 50% in Cuba receives 12.63% of income, compared to the North America average of 11.73%.
Where Cuba Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Cuba ranks 53rd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Cuba ranks 132nd out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Cuba include Egypt, Rwanda's income inequality, Taiwan's wealth gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Cuba?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Cuba earned 19.09% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Cuba?
Income inequality in Cuba has remained relatively stable since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 18.91% in 1980 to 19.09% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Cuba?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Cuba received 12.63% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 45.57%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.