As of 2024, the top 1% in Liberia earned 12.20% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 15.43%. Liberia’s income inequality has remained relatively stable since 1980, when the top 1% share was 12.70%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Liberia in 2024
In 2024, income in Liberia was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 12.20% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 15.43% of income, roughly on par with the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Liberia | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 12.20% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 43.24% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 15.43% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Liberia?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Liberia’s top 1% has remained relatively stable over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 12.70% of national income. By 2024, this figure had fallen by 0.50 percentage points to 12.20%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Liberia has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 44.69% while the bottom 50% received 15.39%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 43.24% and 15.43% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 12.70% | 44.69% | 15.39% | 29.30 pp |
| 1986 | 12.70% | 44.69% | 15.39% | 29.30 pp |
| 1992 | 12.70% | 44.69% | 15.39% | 29.30 pp |
| 1998 | 12.70% | 44.69% | 15.39% | 29.30 pp |
| 2004 | 12.70% | 44.69% | 15.39% | 29.30 pp |
| 2010 | 11.92% | 43.52% | 15.84% | 27.68 pp |
| 2016 | 12.20% | 43.24% | 15.43% | 27.81 pp |
| 2022 | 12.20% | 43.24% | 15.43% | 27.81 pp |
How Liberia Compares Globally
Liberia vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Liberia’s top 1% income share of 12.20% is notably lower than the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Liberia receives 15.43% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Liberia Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Liberia ranks 139th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Liberia ranks 84th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Liberia include Mali's income inequality, Spain's wealth gap, Nigeria's income inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Liberia?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Liberia earned 12.20% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Liberia?
Income inequality in Liberia has remained relatively stable since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 12.70% in 1980 to 12.20% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Liberia?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Liberia received 15.43% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 43.24%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.