As of 2024, the top 1% in Iran earned 16.58% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 16.52%. Iran’s income inequality has decreased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 23.05%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Iran in 2024
In 2024, income in Iran was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 16.58% of total national income, which is roughly on par with the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 16.52% of income, slightly higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Iran | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 16.58% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 46.71% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 16.52% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Iran?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Iran’s top 1% has decreased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 23.05% of national income. By 2024, this figure had fallen by 6.47 percentage points to 16.58%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Iran has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 57.43% while the bottom 50% received 11.09%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 46.71% and 16.52% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 23.05% | 57.43% | 11.09% | 46.34 pp |
| 1986 | 23.05% | 57.43% | 11.09% | 46.34 pp |
| 1992 | 20.27% | 53.79% | 12.75% | 41.04 pp |
| 1998 | 19.22% | 53.18% | 12.66% | 40.52 pp |
| 2004 | 18.97% | 53.46% | 11.93% | 41.53 pp |
| 2010 | 17.48% | 51.49% | 12.98% | 38.51 pp |
| 2016 | 14.07% | 45.18% | 16.10% | 29.08 pp |
| 2022 | 15.65% | 45.61% | 17.37% | 28.24 pp |
How Iran Compares Globally
Iran vs Middle East Average
Compared to other countries in Middle East, Iran’s top 1% income share of 16.58% is notably lower than the regional average of 21.66%. The bottom 50% in Iran receives 16.52% of income, compared to the Middle East average of 11.98%.
Where Iran Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Iran ranks 76th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Iran ranks 59th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Iran include income distribution in Philippines, Uzbekistan, Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Iran?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Iran earned 16.58% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Iran?
Income inequality in Iran has decreased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 23.05% in 1980 to 16.58% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Iran?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Iran received 16.52% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 46.71%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.