As of 2024, the top 1% in Hong Kong earned 17.84% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 13.59%. Hong Kong’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 13.24%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Hong Kong in 2024
In 2024, income in Hong Kong was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 17.84% of total national income, which is slightly higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 13.59% of income, slightly lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Hong Kong | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 17.84% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 48.18% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 13.59% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Hong Kong?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Hong Kong’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 13.24% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 4.60 percentage points to 17.84%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Hong Kong has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 41.91% while the bottom 50% received 17.77%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 48.18% and 13.59% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 13.24% | 41.91% | 17.77% | 24.14 pp |
| 1986 | 15.07% | 43.33% | 18.52% | 24.81 pp |
| 1992 | 16.00% | 44.48% | 16.48% | 28.00 pp |
| 1998 | 15.19% | 42.95% | 16.15% | 26.80 pp |
| 2004 | 19.76% | 47.73% | 13.76% | 33.97 pp |
| 2010 | 20.41% | 49.52% | 12.73% | 36.79 pp |
| 2016 | 17.84% | 48.18% | 13.59% | 34.59 pp |
| 2022 | 17.84% | 48.18% | 13.59% | 34.59 pp |
How Hong Kong Compares Globally
Hong Kong vs Asia Average
Compared to other countries in Asia, Hong Kong’s top 1% income share of 17.84% is slightly higher than the regional average of 16.42%. The bottom 50% in Hong Kong receives 13.59% of income, compared to the Asia average of 15.41%.
Where Hong Kong Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Hong Kong ranks 63rd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Hong Kong ranks 121st out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Hong Kong include Jordan's income inequality, income distribution in Indonesia, Ecuador's income inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Hong Kong?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Hong Kong earned 17.84% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Hong Kong?
Income inequality in Hong Kong has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 13.24% in 1980 to 17.84% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Hong Kong?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Hong Kong received 13.59% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 48.18%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.