As of 2024, the top 1% in Ireland earned 12.95% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 19.53%. Ireland’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 9.03%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Ireland in 2024
In 2024, income in Ireland was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 12.95% of total national income, which is slightly lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 19.53% of income, notably higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Ireland | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 12.95% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 36.87% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 19.53% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Ireland?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Ireland’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 9.03% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 3.92 percentage points to 12.95%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Ireland has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 31.13% while the bottom 50% received 23.03%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 36.87% and 19.53% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 9.03% | 31.13% | 23.03% | 8.10 pp |
| 1986 | 8.73% | 30.69% | 22.58% | 8.11 pp |
| 1992 | 9.82% | 32.77% | 22.44% | 10.33 pp |
| 1998 | 12.15% | 35.65% | 21.83% | 13.82 pp |
| 2004 | 12.34% | 36.06% | 19.91% | 16.15 pp |
| 2010 | 9.91% | 32.31% | 20.83% | 11.48 pp |
| 2016 | 12.26% | 36.07% | 19.02% | 17.05 pp |
| 2022 | 12.97% | 36.94% | 19.54% | 17.40 pp |
How Ireland Compares Globally
Ireland vs Europe Average
Compared to other countries in Europe, Ireland’s top 1% income share of 12.95% is slightly higher than the regional average of 10.86%. The bottom 50% in Ireland receives 19.53% of income, compared to the Europe average of 20.10%.
Where Ireland Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Ireland ranks 132nd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Ireland ranks 27th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Ireland include income distribution in Malaysia, Benin's income inequality, Senegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Ireland?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Ireland earned 12.95% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Ireland?
Income inequality in Ireland has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 9.03% in 1980 to 12.95% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Ireland?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Ireland received 19.53% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 36.87%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.