As of 2024, the top 1% in Liechtenstein earned 11.51% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 18.40%. Liechtenstein’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 9.09%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Liechtenstein in 2024
In 2024, income in Liechtenstein was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 11.51% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 18.40% of income, notably higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Liechtenstein | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 11.51% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 35.71% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 18.40% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Liechtenstein?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Liechtenstein’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 9.09% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 2.42 percentage points to 11.51%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Liechtenstein has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 32.28% while the bottom 50% received 20.30%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 35.71% and 18.40% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 9.09% | 32.28% | 20.30% | 11.98 pp |
| 1986 | 9.35% | 32.56% | 20.07% | 12.49 pp |
| 1992 | 9.51% | 33.20% | 20.55% | 12.65 pp |
| 1998 | 10.81% | 34.95% | 19.26% | 15.69 pp |
| 2004 | 11.14% | 34.98% | 18.21% | 16.77 pp |
| 2010 | 10.93% | 35.15% | 18.40% | 16.75 pp |
| 2016 | 10.78% | 35.15% | 18.14% | 17.01 pp |
| 2022 | 11.51% | 35.71% | 18.40% | 17.31 pp |
How Liechtenstein Compares Globally
Liechtenstein vs Europe Average
Compared to other countries in Europe, Liechtenstein’s top 1% income share of 11.51% is slightly higher than the regional average of 10.86%. The bottom 50% in Liechtenstein receives 18.40% of income, compared to the Europe average of 20.10%.
Where Liechtenstein Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Liechtenstein ranks 149th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Liechtenstein ranks 35th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Liechtenstein include Monaco's income inequality, income distribution in San Marino, Andorra's wealth gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Liechtenstein?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Liechtenstein earned 11.51% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Liechtenstein?
Income inequality in Liechtenstein has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 9.09% in 1980 to 11.51% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Liechtenstein?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Liechtenstein received 18.40% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 35.71%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.