As of 2024, the top 1% in France earned 11.82% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 20.30%. France’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 7.54%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for France in 2024
In 2024, income in France was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 11.82% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 20.30% of income, notably higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | France | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 11.82% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 34.03% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 20.30% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in France?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to France’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 7.54% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 4.28 percentage points to 11.82%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in France has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 28.76% while the bottom 50% received 22.66%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 34.03% and 20.30% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 7.54% | 28.76% | 22.66% | 6.10 pp |
| 1986 | 7.84% | 29.78% | 22.39% | 7.39 pp |
| 1992 | 8.72% | 30.77% | 21.68% | 9.09 pp |
| 1998 | 11.18% | 33.29% | 20.54% | 12.75 pp |
| 2004 | 11.71% | 34.31% | 19.94% | 14.37 pp |
| 2010 | 11.02% | 33.81% | 20.23% | 13.58 pp |
| 2016 | 10.39% | 33.38% | 20.65% | 12.73 pp |
| 2022 | 12.10% | 34.40% | 20.34% | 14.06 pp |
How France Compares Globally
France vs Europe Average
Compared to other countries in Europe, France’s top 1% income share of 11.82% is slightly higher than the regional average of 10.86%. The bottom 50% in France receives 20.30% of income, compared to the Europe average of 20.10%.
Where France Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: France ranks 145th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: France ranks 25th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to France include income distribution in Equatorial Guinea, income distribution in Canada, income distribution in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in France?
As of 2024, the top 1% in France earned 11.82% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in France?
Income inequality in France has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 7.54% in 1980 to 11.82% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in France?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in France received 20.30% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 34.03%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.