As of 2024, the top 1% in Kosovo earned 9.66% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 18.10%. Kosovo’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 8.55%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Kosovo in 2024
In 2024, income in Kosovo was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 9.66% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 18.10% of income, notably higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Kosovo | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 9.66% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 33.39% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 18.10% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Kosovo?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Kosovo’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 8.55% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 1.11 percentage points to 9.66%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Kosovo has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 33.75% while the bottom 50% received 17.44%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 33.39% and 18.10% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 8.55% | 33.75% | 17.44% | 16.31 pp |
| 1986 | 8.55% | 33.75% | 17.44% | 16.31 pp |
| 1992 | 8.55% | 33.75% | 17.44% | 16.31 pp |
| 1998 | 8.55% | 33.75% | 17.44% | 16.31 pp |
| 2004 | 8.49% | 33.83% | 17.33% | 16.50 pp |
| 2010 | 8.88% | 34.97% | 16.53% | 18.44 pp |
| 2016 | 9.25% | 33.23% | 18.26% | 14.97 pp |
| 2022 | 9.88% | 33.49% | 18.07% | 15.42 pp |
How Kosovo Compares Globally
Kosovo vs Europe Average
Compared to other countries in Europe, Kosovo’s top 1% income share of 9.66% is slightly lower than the regional average of 10.86%. The bottom 50% in Kosovo receives 18.10% of income, compared to the Europe average of 20.10%.
Where Kosovo Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Kosovo ranks 163rd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Kosovo ranks 40th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Kosovo include Croatia's wealth gap, Belarus's income inequality, Norway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Kosovo?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Kosovo earned 9.66% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered relatively low by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Kosovo?
Income inequality in Kosovo has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 8.55% in 1980 to 9.66% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Kosovo?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Kosovo received 18.10% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 33.39%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.