As of 2024, the top 1% in Macao earned 14.00% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 14.36%. Macao’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 8.21%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Macao in 2024
In 2024, income in Macao was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 14.00% of total national income, which is slightly lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 14.36% of income, roughly on par with the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Macao | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 14.00% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 41.66% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 14.36% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Macao?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Macao’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 8.21% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 5.79 percentage points to 14.00%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Macao has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 30.85% while the bottom 50% received 21.46%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 41.66% and 14.36% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 8.21% | 30.85% | 21.46% | 9.39 pp |
| 1986 | 8.21% | 30.85% | 21.46% | 9.39 pp |
| 1992 | 8.85% | 32.71% | 19.39% | 13.32 pp |
| 1998 | 9.94% | 34.25% | 19.15% | 15.10 pp |
| 2004 | 13.93% | 41.21% | 15.15% | 26.06 pp |
| 2010 | 15.20% | 42.83% | 13.83% | 29.00 pp |
| 2016 | 14.00% | 41.66% | 14.36% | 27.30 pp |
| 2022 | 14.00% | 41.66% | 14.36% | 27.30 pp |
How Macao Compares Globally
Macao vs Asia Average
Compared to other countries in Asia, Macao’s top 1% income share of 14.00% is slightly lower than the regional average of 16.42%. The bottom 50% in Macao receives 14.36% of income, compared to the Asia average of 15.41%.
Where Macao Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Macao ranks 119th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Macao ranks 103rd out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Macao include Bhutan's wealth gap, Azerbaijan's income inequality, Madagascar's wealth gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Macao?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Macao earned 14.00% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Macao?
Income inequality in Macao has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 8.21% in 1980 to 14.00% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Macao?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Macao received 14.36% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 41.66%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.